Histological Atlas of the Internal Anatomy of Female <i>Varroa destructor</i> (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) Mites in Relation to Feeding and Reproduction

Abstract Histochemical staining of histological sections Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman, 2000) mites reveal the internal body plan are used to contrast organs associated with feeding reproduction starved versus recently fed female mites. The gnathosoma is comprised a powerful sucking pharynx, which employs 11 alternating dilator constrictor muscles, chelicerae, salivary ducts, salivarium. Coronally, esophagus visible through synganglion between its supraesophageal subesophageal regions connects posteriorly midgut. midgut devoid food particles in mites, but epithelial cells filled innumerable globular spheroids replete lipoproteins, including polyunsaturated lipids, whereas lumen saturated lipids or other unidentified nutrients. In opisthosomal region female, bilobed lyrate organ lies adjacent on one side ovary opposite side, very close cell linkages that appear form syncytium. contains an enormously enlarged ovum, numerous elongated nurse extending from organ. Dyes selectively for lipoproteins suggests rapid incorporation neutral lipoproteins. Also evident near females spermatheca elongated, fully capacitated spermatozoa. histochemical findings reported this study provide fresh insight into structure, nutrition, reproductive activity harmful honey bee parasite disease vector.