Key points
- An Asian brood mite that breeds faster than varroa.
- Present in southern Russia, confirmed in Georgia in 2024, reported in Turkey.
- Smaller and more elongated than varroa, it runs fast across combs.
- Notifiable in the EU and many other countries: report any suspicion immediately.
Tropilaelaps is a parasitic brood mite from Asia, where its natural host is the giant honey bee Apis dorsata. It has jumped to the western honey bee and is moving westwards. Specialists regard it as a threat at least as serious as varroa.
Where is it now?
Of the four known species, T. mercedesae is the most widespread and poses the greatest risk to Europe1, 3. It is established in southern Russia (Krasnodar and Rostov regions), and its presence was confirmed in western Georgia in 20242, 3. It has since been reported in Turkey, near the Georgian border. Importing queens and packages from these areas is the main feared route of entry5.
Why it is so dangerous
- It breeds in capped brood, like varroa, but with a faster cycle.
- It survives only a very short time on adult bees: it depends almost entirely on brood.
- It transmits viruses, including deformed wing virus.
Identification
- Reddish-brown mite about 1 mm long and 0.6 mm wide, clearly elongated (varroa is wider than long).
- Very fast, it runs across combs when they are lifted out.
- Patchy brood, dead or malformed pupae, bees with deformed wings, as with varroa4.
Detection
Look for it in the brood: uncapping pupae, or the “bump” method, which consists of knocking a brood frame over a white tray. Sticky boards used for varroa can also reveal it.
What to do if you suspect it
- Keep the mites in alcohol.
- Report the suspicion immediately to the veterinary authorities.
- Do not move colonies or equipment.
No medicine is authorised against Tropilaelaps in France5. The best protection is not to import queens or colonies from areas where it is present.
References
- Anderson D.L., Morgan M.J. (2007). Genetic and morphological variation of bee-parasitic Tropilaelaps mites (Acari: Laelapidae): new and re-defined species. Experimental and Applied Acarology 43: 1-24.
- Janashia I. et al. (2024). First report on Tropilaelaps mercedesae presence in Georgia: the mite is heading westward! Journal of Apicultural Science. doi.org
- National Bee Unit (APHA, UK). Tropilaelaps: factsheet and distribution map. nationalbeeunit.com
- IZSVe, Italian reference centre for beekeeping (2025). Acaro Tropilaelaps spp. (in Italian). izsvenezie.it
- French National Assembly. Written question no. 14396 on the threat of Tropilaelaps to French beekeeping (in French). assemblee-nationale.fr