An Easy Dissection Technique for Finding the Tracheal Mite, Acarapis Woodi (rennie) (acari: Tarsonemidae), in Honey Bees, with Video Link*

Since the introduction of varroa mites (Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman, 2000), the impact of tracheal mites on bees has been largely overshadowed or ignored. Tracheal mites are still present in bees, and may be responsible for some unexplained colony losses. If they cause bee mortality, it is important to be able to identify their presence and at what levels. This paper illustrates a quick and easy technique for dissecting bees for tracheal mites. Hopefully, the video link will be a useful training tool for researchers, beekeepers or regulatory personnel who need to test bees for the mite's presence. Tracheal mites are still present in some areas and can be introduced through the sale of bee packages or purchased queens. The presence or absence of these mites can also help determine or eliminate the cause of unexplained colony losses, especially in overwintered colonies.