Biology and Feeding Behavior of Tropilaelaps clareae (Acari: Laelapidae) as an Ectoparasite of Honey Bee Brood

Abstract

Developmental biology, feeding behavior and host interactions of Tropilaelaps clareae (Acari: Laelapidae), an ectoparasite of honey bee brood, were examined to understand its impact on colony health and brood mortality under controlled laboratory conditions. Observations were carried out on different brood stages of Apis mellifera, recording developmental duration, survivorship, feeding site preference, and reproductive potential of the mite under standardized environmental conditions. Results indicated rapid development with shortened life cycle under favorable temperature and humidity, contributing to multiple overlapping generations within brood cells. Feeding behavior analysis revealed strong preference for late larval and pupal stages, where tissue penetration and hemolymph feeding led to significant brood mortality, deformities, and reduced emergence of healthy adults. High reproductive output coupled with concealed feeding within capped brood cells facilitated population buildup and limited exposure to hive defense mechanisms. Quantitative assessment of damage parameters demonstrated increased brood loss correlated with mite density, indicating density-dependent pathogenic effects. Such infestations were associated with weakened colony performance and potential synergistic impacts with other stressors affecting honey bee productivity. Findings highlight the importance of early detection and targeted management strategies to suppress mite population growth and reduce colony-level losses in apiculture systems. Integration of biological understanding with colony monitoring tools and sustainable control approaches is essential for mitigating the spread of T. clareae, particularly in migratory and commercial apiculture where colony density and brood turnover are high, increasing vulnerability to rapid mite proliferation and associated yield losses in honey production systems.