Anatomy of the varroa mite
The female mites are reddish brown and are broader than they are long, measuring approximately 1.1 x 1.6 mm. The back of the mite is covered with a chitinous cuticle.
On the ventral side, the mites have a bristle-like structure that acts like a hook-and-loop fastener, helping them to grip on the host bees.
Adult mites have four pairs of legs attached to the thorax. These legs have a powerful grip, and they enable the mite to move with amazing speed and agility.
The sensory organs, which are also used as antennae, are located on the first pair of legs.
The varroa mite does not have a visual organ, but functions using only its organs of smell and touch, as well as other sensory organs.
Mite statistics:
On the ventral side, the mites have a bristle-like structure that acts like a hook-and-loop fastener, helping them to grip on the host bees.
Adult mites have four pairs of legs attached to the thorax. These legs have a powerful grip, and they enable the mite to move with amazing speed and agility.
The sensory organs, which are also used as antennae, are located on the first pair of legs.
The varroa mite does not have a visual organ, but functions using only its organs of smell and touch, as well as other sensory organs.
Click on the images to enlarge
Mite statistics:
How mite numbers develop from an initial infestation |
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Winter |
Month 1 |
Month 2 |
Month 3 |
Month 4 |
Month 5 |
Month 6 |
1 mite |
16 |
32 |
64 |
128 |
256 |
512 |
5 mites |
80 |
160 |
320 |
640 |
1280 |
2560 |
20 mites |
320 |
640 |
1280 |
2560 |
5120 |
10240 |
In normal brood rearing colonies, the number of mites doubles every month! |
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