Varroa destructor (Acari: Parasitiformes:Varroidae) a dangerous parasite of honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Abstract

The honeybee is an essential element of environmental balance in the world, particularly for its role in the pollination of many plant species. It also has other interests such as the production of honey, propolis, royal jelly and wax. Among several diseases on honey bees, the most dangerous is varroosis and threaten different species of honeybee population. Varroosis is caused by an external parasitic mite, Varroa destructor which parasites both bees and brood. It causes enormous damage to the colony and is a gateway to other viral and bacterial diseases. Information on the influence of this disease on colonies, symptoms and pathogenic actions, reproduction, development cycle and treatment methods viz chemical, natural, biological and biotechnical against Varroa are discussed.