Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy Studies on the Parasitic Mite Affecting Honey Bee Apis mellifera

Authors

  • Anurag Kumar Sonker Department of Zoology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226025, India
  • Kamal Jaiswal
  • Suman Mishra Department of Zoology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226025, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48165/bpas.2023.39.1.5%20

Keywords:

Parasitic mite, Apis mellifera, Acari, Tropilaelaps, Light microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy

Abstract

The most significant of the social insects, honey bees (Apis mellifera) are the primary pollinators of domesticated plants  and contribute to the stability of ecosystems. The decline in the  number of bee populations due to parasitic mites has a  substantial and detrimental effect on the honey bee population.  Mites (Acari) have grown to be a serious global issue for  beekeepers all over the world. The current study was designed  to investigate the ultra-structure and morphology of the  parasitic mite (Tropilaelaps), an ectoparasite of the European  honeybee, Apis mellifera. In order to conduct this study, the  mites were collected from apiaries located in and around  different regions of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The  morphological identification was done by Light Microscopy  while the ultra-structural assessment was carried out with the  help of a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results of  this preliminary study revealed the presence of one of the main  damaging genera of mites viz., Tropilaelaps. Light and Scanning  electron microscopy revealed the dorsal shield, the ventral  shields (metapodal shield, epigynal shield, and anal shield), and the genital plate on the ventral side. Peritreme,  tritosternum, gnathosoma, chelicerae, and four pairs of legs  were observed in detail as well as the presence of irregular  setae all over the body. The study of morphological features of  the Tropilaelaps mite will provide additional insights into the  taxonomy of the parasite as well as contribute information  towards further management of these parasites. 

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Published

2023-06-19

Issue

Vol. 39 No. 1 (2023): Bio-Science Research Bulletin (Jan-Jun) 2023

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy Studies on the Parasitic Mite Affecting Honey Bee Apis mellifera . (2023). Bio Science Research Bulletin, 39(1), 28–38. https://doi.org/10.48165/bpas.2023.39.1.5