Tropilaelaps mites

Summary

Tropilaelaps mites are sometimes referred to as Asian mites, but this common name also refers to Varroa mites.

Tropilaelaps mites are considered to be a major parasite of honey bees (Apis mellifera) in many Asian countries.

This mite has been found in Papua New Guinea and throughout tropical Asia.

It shares some similarities to Varroa mites as a major lethal parasite of honey bees.

If this mite was to enter and establish in Australia it would be expected to cause major losses of honey bee colonies.