First report of Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Acari: Acaridae) in colonies of the stingless bee Frieseomelitta varia (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini)

Abstract

Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Acari: Acaridae) has the potential for controlling pest insects in the laboratory, although little is known about its interaction with beneficial species such as bees. Here we report an infestation of T. putrescentiae and its predatory effect in colonies of the stingless bee Frieseomelitta varia (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini) in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. After the mite infestation, the F. varia colonies became weak and the population died. Because T. putrescentiae develops preferentially in warm and damp environments, special care should be taken when performing in vitro rearing (e.g., sterilizing transfer needles, tweezers, and incubators) of F. varia. Moreover, stingless bee colonies maintained in meliponaries should be periodically monitored, in order to prevent not only mite infestation but diverse health issues.