Silly varroa question

[monarda]

When counting mite drop on sticky board, would this just be female mites or do people include males as well ? Just wondered.

 

[domino]

The male mite dies in the cell, the ones you see on the board are typically ladies.

 

[monarda]

The male mite dies in the cell, the ones you see on the board are typically ladies.

Hi Domino
I often see the odd male when I count-guess its a result of cells being cleaned out and just wondered if these are included in other peoples numbers when they write about mite drop on various web sites. One american site I saw actually said only count " the red ones" -I suppose he was referring to female varroa and not those of a certain political persuasion !

 

[domino]

The red ones are mature.

This is worth a read, essentially a female climbs into the cell. She lays the eggs, one of them is male it mates with all other newly born female mites and then pops its cloggs.

The red ones are the mites that have matured enough to go out and about.

https://www.beeculture.com/a-closer-look-varroa-mite-reproduction/

 

[monarda]

The red ones are mature.

This is worth a read, essentially a female climbs into the cell. She lays the eggs, one of them is male it mates with all other newly born female mites and then pops its cloggs.

The red ones are the mites that have matured enough to go out and about.

https://www.beeculture.com/a-closer-look-varroa-mite-reproduction/

Cheers for the link, I will just feed the chickens ,fix myself a coffee and have a read of that

 

[Gilberdyke John]

When counting mite drop on sticky board, would this just be female mites or do people include males as well ? Just wondered.

You've just triggered a mental image of holding up a mite with tiny tweezers and using a magnifying glass to check it's undercarriage

 

[Poly Hive]

In the greater scheme of things does it actually matter?

It's pretty simple. If there are hordes then treat. If not don't. That's about as scientific as I get. Life frankly is too short.

PH

 

[Curly green finger's]

In the greater scheme of things does it actually matter?

It's pretty simple. If there are hordes then treat. If not don't. That's about as scientific as I get. Life frankly is too short.

PH

I think it does I'm learning something as I'm sure other beeks are??

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

In the greater scheme of things does it actually matter?

It's pretty simple. If there are hordes then treat. If not don't. That's about as scientific as I get. Life frankly is too short.

PH

Not bothered as to what gender they are, as long as they're dead

 

[mike99]

Not bothered as to what gender they are, as long as they're dead

 

[monarda]

I think it does I'm learning something as I'm sure other beeks are??

I agree with you Mark-know your enemy ! ( bit like rugby really )

 

[monarda]

You've just triggered a mental image of holding up a mite with tiny tweezers and using a magnifying glass to check it's undercarriage

lol.....apology accepted