[JohnBeeMan]

Is there a good source that would help identify all the various 'droppings' that are seen on the tray under the SBB?

In looking for mite counts, I see white crystal (some snow white other milky). I see dark brown/black droppings that resemble mouse droppings but much smaller, bits of various pollen, lots of wax. Is there some of these things that assist in providing hints as to what is happening inside the hive?

 

[Clayton]

You are seeing chewed wax cappings, bee parts, mites, pupae, larvae, and all types of debris.

Clay

 

[Michael Bush]

As Clay said, but if you want to light them up:

white crystal=wax cappings.

small dark brown/black droppings=wax moth larvae droppings

pollen=pollen

wax=wax

>Is there some of these things that assist in providing hints as to what is happening inside the hive?

Lot's of wax cappings mean they are opening stores. It means, if they weren't there last time that they have consumed some capped stores since then.

Lot's of mouse droppings mean a mouse has moved in.

Lot's of bee parts means there have been some bee losses.

Lot's of the small droppings mean there are wax moth larvae somwhere above there or in the debris.

Webs in the debris mean there are wax moth larvae IN the debris.

Lot's of Varroa mites means there are a lot of Varroa being groomed off or dying.

Pieces of white larvae mean that the brood is being chewed out either because there isn't enough pollen to feed them or because of hygenic behavior.