Honey Bee Pests Research Articles

Quantitative and Qualitative Impacts of Selected Arthropod Venoms on the Larval Haemogram of the Greater Wax Moth, Galleria mellonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is the most destructive pest of honey bee, Apis mellifera Linnaeus (Hymenoptera: Apidae), throughout the world. The present study was conducted to determine the quantitative and qualitative impairing effects of the arthropod venoms, viz., death stalker scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus (Hemprich & Ehrenberg) venom (SV), oriental Hornet (wasp) Vespa orientalis Linnaeus venom (WV) and Apitoxin of A. mellifera (AP) on the larval haemogram. For this purpose, the 3rd instar larvae were treated with LC50 of each of these venoms (3428.9, 2412.6, and 956.16 ppm, respectively). The haematological investigation was conducted in haemolymph of the 5th and 7th (last) instar larvae. The important results could be summarized as follows. Five basic types of the freely circulating haemocytes in the haemolymph of last instar (7th) larvae of G. mellonella had been identified: Prohemocytes (PRs), Plasmatocytes (PLs), Granulocytes (GRs), Spherulocytes (SPs) and Oenocytoids (OEs). All venoms unexceptionally prohibited the larvae to produce normal hemocyte population (count). No certain trend of disturbance in the differential hemocyte counts of circulating hemocytes in larvae of G. mellonella after treatment with the arthropod venoms. Increasing or decreasing population of the circulating hemocytes seemed to depend on the potency of the venom, hemocyte type and the larval instar. In PRs of last instar larvae, some cytopathological features had been observed after treatment with AP or WV, but SV failed to cause cytopathological features. With regard to PLs, some cytopathological features had been observed after treatment with AP while both SV and WV failed to cause cytopathological features in this hemocyte type. No venom exhibited cytopathological effects on GRs, SPs or OEs.

Temperature-dependent modelling of adult performance of small hive beetle Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)

The small hive beetle (SHB) Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) is an invasive pest of honey bees reported in Korea in 2016. This study was carried out to understand adult performance of SHBs under different temperatures and to construct an oviposition model as a part of the population model. Newly emerged adults were subjected to constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 37 °C), their longevity and oviposition were measured and an oviposition model was built afterwards. The longevity of SHBs female decreases from 160.1 to 57.9 days with increasing temperature from 20 to 37 °C. SHB males lived significantly shorter than the females. No oviposition was recorded at 15 °C. The fecundity showed a parabolic trend with a maximum of 1381.6 eggs/female at 30 °C and reduced to 515.8 eggs/female at 37 °C. The model combining all parameters of the SHB females simulated oviposition between 20 and 37 °C and predicted that SHBs could perform better at moderately higher temperatures which are in line with the brood area temperature (34–35 °C) of the honey bee, Apis mellifera.

Biodegradation of polystyrene wastes by a newly reported honey bee pest Uloma sp. larvae: An insight to the ability of polystyrene-fed larvae to complete its life cycle

Commercial production of polystyrene (PS)-a persistent plastic has led to its accumulation as a major contaminant of the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem. In this study, PS degradation capabilities of beeswax eating beetle larva Uloma sp. was evaluated and reported for the first time. The study also assesses its survivability and PS biodegradation rates. Effects of added nutrition on PS degradation and survivability were analysed by providing wax comb as co-feed (PS-WC). The egested frass of Uloma sp. larvae fed on Waxcomb (WC), PS and PS-WC were studied by evaluating the changes in physiochemical properties through FTIR, 1H NMR and TGA techniques. The post consumption weight loss percentage for WC and PS were 84.89 ± 2.6% and 41.6 ± 2.7%, respectively by a group of 100 beetle larvae. From the initial 2.5 g PS the total weight loss at the end of the 28-day feeding experiment was 1.04 ± 0.02 g with a consumption rate of 37.14 mg of PS per day per 100 larvae. Supplementing the PS feed of Uloma sp. larvae with WC facilitated enhanced PS degradation. PS degradation for larvae fed with PS-WC co-feed nearly doubled compared to larvae fed on PS alone. Twenty-eight-day survival rates for Uloma larvae fed on WC, PS and PS-WC was 89.2 ± 1.01%, 78.3 ± 1.4% and 84 ± 2.97%, respectively. The average weight of beetle larvae increased by 22% over a 28 day period when fed WC or PS-WC while, showed a 4.3% increase in PS alone and an 8.2% decrease in unfed larvae. The FTIR and 1H NMR analysis of egested frass showed evidence of depolymerization and oxidation confirming effective biodegradation of PS in the gut tract of Uloma beetle larvae. Uloma sp. larvae fed WC and PS completed all life cycle stages (larvae, pupae, beetles, egg), and the second generation had favorable PS degradation.

Morphotype and haplotype identification of Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae), and its importance for apiculture in Nicaragua

The ectoparasite Varroa (Acari: Varroidae) is considered to be the main pest of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) in Nicaragua. The aim of this study was to determine morphotypes and mitochondrial haplotypes of the Varroa mites, related to infestation levels in A. mellifera hives in Nicaragua in a cross-sectional study (2013-2016). Samples were taken from 34 sentinel apiaries in five geographical zones; from 713 Varroa females collected during the study, 153 were selected for measurement of various morphometric characters for further classification into morphotypes. The mitochondrial haplotype was assigned to one of the two (Korean or Japanese), using the restriction by SacI of the PCR product of a fragment of the gene CO-I. Morphometric measurement and sequencing revealed the affiliation to the species Varroa destructor with a mean (± SD) body width of 1699.1 ± 60.2µm and a body length of 1161.1 ± 34.9µm. Body characters were significantly different among the 34 apiaries. Varroa destructor samples were classified into four morphotypes, with no significant differences in the geographical zones. As GAGCTC SacI enzyme cleavage sequences were not observed, all PCR products were identified as V. destructor Korean haplotype. The CO-I gene nucleotide sequences from two samples V. destructor showed both 100% similarity with the Korean haplotype and 99.8% similarity to the Japanese haplotype. Although the V. destructor mite was identified as a Korean haplotype, host-parasite association in 2 decades has led into a balance without entering into severe losses in the Nicaraguan apiculture.

First Report of Insecticide Resistance to Organophosphates and Pyrethroids in the Small Hive Beetle (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) and Development of a Resistance Monitoring Technique.

The small hive beetle, Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), is a serious threat to the honey bee industry, which relies on chemicals for the control of major honey bee pests. We developed a glass vial bioassay for resistance monitoring of adult A. tumida populations in honey bee colonies. We also determined concentrations that could be used to discriminate between susceptible and resistant strains. These include the pyrethroids cypermethrin (25.0 μg per vial) and fluvalinate (25.0 μg per vial) and the organophosphates malathion (10.0 μg per vial), chlorpyrifos (2.5 μg per vial), and coumaphos (25.0 μg per vial). Here, we report that resistance to fluvalinate and coumaphos was widespread in A. tumida populations in Florida in 2019. Aethina tumida populations were still susceptible to cypermethrin, malathion, and chlorpyrifos. The levels of resistance differed between pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides. Over the last 10 yr, A. tumida populations have developed 43.7-fold resistance to coumaphos and 5.4-fold to fluvalinate. The levels of insecticide resistance were not similar within insecticides in the same class, which suggest that this type of resistance is manageable. Our results demonstrate the usefulness of glass vial bioassays to detect resistance in adult A. tumida and provide the foundation for a resistance management strategy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of insecticide resistance in small hive beetle populations and suggests an urgent need for alternative control strategies for these serious pests of honey bee colonies.

The Current Constraints and Opportunities of Beekeeping in Ethiopia: A Review

The goal of this article was to summarize beekeeping's constraints and potential in Ethiopia. Beekeeping techniques and some of the roles of this sector in Ethiopia's economy will be covered in this article. Ethiopia is one of the countries with a large honey- producing potential in Africa. Currently, there are three main classifications of the honey production system in Ethiopia; these are traditional (forest and backyard), transitional (intermediate) and modern (frame honeycomb) systems. Despite the challenges and limitations, Ethiopia has the largest bee population in Africa with more than 10 million bee colonies, of which 5-7.5 million are clustered together while the rest exist in a state of disrepair. wild Thai. The country has the potential to produce up to 500,000 tonnes of honey annually. But currently, the production is limited to 53,000 to 58,000 tons of honey. Ethiopia has an even greater potential than the current honey production due to its many bee sources such as natural forests with a complete bee system, water resources and a high number of existing bee colonies. Lack of a well-trained workforce, honey bee pests and diseases, high cost and limited availability of modern beekeeping equipment and inappropriate use of pesticides are some of the main constraints hindering the profession. Ethiopian beekeeping reaches its full production potential. Beekeeping plays an important role in increasing and diversifying the income of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia, especially those who have small plots of land and landless. To significantly improve the beekeeping sub-sector, the government and relevant development partners must collaborate to organize and promote forums on how to improve this industry and realize its full potential.

Wax moth Galleria mellonella: Blessing or blight

Wax moth is the ubiquitous pest of honeybees globally. Wax moth larva could be a terrible menace to the beekeepers as it turns the entire wax combs to a pile of debris and frass. Wax moth larva is a voracious eater tends to feed on wax combs, cast off larval bee skin, pollen, brood and honey more seriously forcing entire colony to abscond. Despite of being a nuisance to honeybees the wax moth is a well-accepted inexpensive insect model to study host pathogen interactions and various antimicrobial compounds. The unique ability of the larvae of wax moth to biodegrade plastic is one of the major breakthroughs in the history of science. The present article reviewed the taxonomical position, life cycle and control measures of wax moth in addition to its role in plastic degradation. Eventually, this review article also throws the light on both the abilities of Galleria mellonella of being a pest as well as an efficient plastic bio degrader.

Analysis of Honey Value Chain and Marketing System: The Case of Smallholder Beekeepers in Negele Arsi District of Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Negele Arsi district, West Arsi Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia to identify honey value chain actors, functions, services providers, major constraints and opportunities of beekeeping. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected by desk research, observations, survey and interview with different actors in the chain. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies, mean and standard deviations using SPSS version 19 and Excel sheets. Whereas, the data collected through interview was analyzed using narration and interpretation. The value chain map was used to get the clear picture of the whole honey market chain and SWOT analysis tool was used to analysis the strength, weakness opportunity and threat of the beekeeping sector in Negele Arsi district. The study result showed that, the major value chain actors in the study district were producers, local collectors, wholesalers, retailers, local drink makers and final consumers of the product were the main chain actors, while Negele Arsi livestock development and fisher resource office, Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, IDE (International Development Enterprises) and SNV Ethiopia were the main chain supporters and service providers. Six main alter native market channels were identified for honey marketing and honey follows the six main routes from the point of its production to its consumption. The major constraints of beekeeping identified in the study district were inaccessibility to beekeeping equipments, inadequate of beekeeping knowledge and skills, shortage of bee forage, prevalence of honeybee pests and predators, lack of organized market channel, pesticides poisoning, lack of adequate extension services, honeybee colony absconding and migration and shortage of honeybee colony. Despite these, there are also opportunities such as availability of area closures, high demand for honey at national, regional and international market, presence of government and non-government organizations working on honey, the existence of conducive policy framework in apiculture sub-sector, existence of farmers with indigenous knowledge and skills who are interested to accept improved technologies, existence of reforestation plan and existence of different flowering plants are some of the opportunities for honey production and marketing by most of the producers. Therefore, efforts should be geared to promoting capacity building through training, promoting modern apiculture technologies, access extension service, access to financial support and market promotion and establishment of beekeepers cooperatives are recommended.

Rapid identification of the invasive Small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) using LAMP.

Small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida is an invasive pest of managed honey bees and has invaded Europe from Africa. The main risk point identified for incursions of this pest into the UK is imports of package bees and queens. Surveillance of this pest, carried out by the National Bee Unit, involves monitoring imports of live bees and routine screening of sentinel apiaries around the UK through collection of hive debris for visual inspection of pests. Currently, no molecular methods are used for screening hive debris for this pest in the UK. A new invasion of this pest would likely occur at low levels and might present with partial specimens broken up in the hive or eggs from the beetle, difficult to identify by visual inspection. Therefore, we sought to develop a fast and sensitive method for detecting SHB in hive debris by developing a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay. The LAMP assay was able to detect the SHB in 19 to 25.37 min and did not cross-react with any non-target species tested. The assay was sensitive and could detect 12pg of DNA and it was able to detect less than 1 mg of tissue in a 30 g complex matrix of honey bee hive debris. The assay could successfully amplify from crude extracts of partial tissue specimens. This tool will allow rapid field screening of suspect beetle specimens and laboratory screening of hive debris for a notifiable exotic pest of honey bees. © 2020 Crown copyright. Pest Management Science © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Constraints of Honey Production and Marketing in Ethiopia: A Review

Ethiopia has huge potential for beekeeping production and 1st in honey production in Africa because of its endowment with diversity in climate and vegetation resources offering potentially favorable conditions for beekeeping. It is important for sources of food and beverages, medication, income generation, creating employment opportunities, environmental balance through pollination. Even though it has a higher contribution, the sector is yet not potentially utilized due to various constraints. Therefore the objectives of this paper are to review the production constraints of honey in Ethiopia and to review the marketing constraints of honey in Ethiopia. Pests, Disease and Predators; weather problem; Shortage of bee forage; Absconding; shortage of trained manpower; shortage of equipment; poor management practices; chemicals; weak research and extension; poor infrastructures and etc. are constraints of honey production in Ethiopia. While linkages problem; lack of market center; lack of market information; price fluctuation; low awareness of post-harvest handling; lack of technology; poor market infrastructure, lack basic business concepts; and etc. are constraints honey marketing in Ethiopia. To overcome such constraints:- Adopting effective honeybee pests, disease and predators controlling methods; Introducing and expanding of full package improved beekeeping technologies with adequate practical skill; strengthen full package extension services; Support farmers for beekeeping business through credit availability, improving the barging power of beekeepers, strengthen linkage among different concerned institutions, cooperative formation, input supply, market facilitation and infrastructures as a whole; Giving attention on research and human resources development ; Expanding coverage of flowering plants especially economically important ones like horticultural crops and reducing the impact of agrochemicals and others are suggested recommendations.

A new species of Galleria Fabricius (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) from Korea based on molecular and morphological characters.

The greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella Linnaeus, is well known as a pest of honey bees and for the biodegradation of wax and polyethylene by their larvae. The genus Galleria has long been considered monotypic and found worldwide. A taxonomic study of the genus Galleria is presented based on morphological and molecular characters (COI, CAD, wg). A new species (Galleria similis Roh & Song, sp. nov.) is recognized on the Korean peninsula. The new species is superficially similar to G. mellonella but they can be separated by the structures of hindwing venation and male genitalia. Habitus photographs and illustrations of diagnostic characters are provided.

Comparative study of two Eucalyptus species from Algeria: chemical composition, toxicity and acaricidal effect on Varroa destructor

Abstract Varroa destructor is an external parasitic mite that is a serious pest of honeybees and has caused severe losses of colonies worldwide. One of the feasible alternative treatments being used for their control is the application of essential oils, which are generally inexpensive and most pose few health risks. The investigation was designed to determine the chemical composition, toxicity and acaricidal effects of Eucalyptus amygdalina leaf essential oil (EaEO) grown in Algeria and to compare its activity on Varroa destructor with that of Eucalyptus globulus from the same region. Fresh leaves of E. amygdalina (Ea) by steam distillation yielded 0.77% (v/w), and investigation of the oil on GC/MS resulted in the identification of 35 compounds, with 1.8-cineole (35.78%) as most abundant constituent. Other notable compounds include spathulenol (12.58%), camphene (7.73%), α-pinene (4.38%), valencene (2.64%), while 2-carene and ledol (1.45%) were also among the constituents identified. The acaricidal features of the essential oil was evaluated using bee hives infected by Varroa destructor, and a significant effect of oil application was observed (p < 0.05). Cytotoxic effect was assayed using the brine shrimp lethality assay, Probit’s analysis of the result revealed an LC50 value of 116.06 μg/mL. Essential oil of E. amygdalina (EaEO) has potential acaricidal effect on Varroa destructor, but this effect is less important than the one recorded by E. globulus. Further studies are needed to determine the active component responsible for this effect.

Incidence of Tropilaelaps clareae on Apis cerana at (Nauni) Solan, Himachal Pradesh

The ectoparasitic mite Tropilaelaps clareae is an important honey bee pest in Asia. No survey on its presence on Apis cerana colonies have been performed in Himachal Pradesh state of India. In the present investigation, we observed the presence of T. clareae in brood of A. cerana colonies during the period of one year. T. clareae was found during the brooding period in spring and autumn, albeit generally with low levels of infestation.

Toxicity of oxalic acid on in vitro reared honeybee larvae

Varroa destructor is considered as a serious pest of honeybees (Apis mellifera) and its resistance to acaricides has been reported since the early 1990s. Because large colony loses are yearly reported from over the world, new methods of treatment for Varroa mites are still in focus of many scientists. In our bioassay, we determined the lethal concentration 72 h LC50 of 2.425% oxalic acid solution following single spray exposure of honeybee larvae under laboratory conditions (Guideline OECD 237, 2013).

Yellow-Legged Hornet (suggested common name), Vespa velutina (Lepeletier 1836) (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

The yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina (Lepeletier), is a pest of concern outside of its native range. Vespa velutina is native to Southeast Asia and has invaded several regions in Europe, first appearing in France in 2004. As a generalist predator, they are a pest of honey bees and a major concern to many beekeepers. Vespa velutina has not been intercepted in North America, but it is believed to have high invasion potential.

Temperature-dependent development and survival of small hive beetle, Aethina tumida (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)

The small hive beetle (SHB) Aethina tumida Murray, (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) is an invasive pest of honey bees recently found in Korea. We investigated the influence of temperature on the development and survival of immature SHBs. The beetle’s immature stages were exposed to different constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 37 and 39 °C) under stable and continuous dark conditions and a relative humidity of 75 ± 5%. All immature stages successfully developed to the next stage at the temperature range from 15 to 39 °C, except for the egg at 15 °C and wandering larvae and pupae, which suffered 100% mortalities at 39 °C. Total immature developmental period at 18.6 and 35 °C ranged from 53.9 days to 20, respectively. Lower developmental thresholds were determined according to a linear model as 16.0, 11.6, 9.6, 12.6, and 11.8 °C for eggs, feeding larvae, wandering larvae, pupae and total immatures, respectively. Among the non-linear models, Analytis-3/Briere-1 was selected as the best to describe the temperature-dependent developmental rate of all immature stages of SHBs based on Akaike information criterion corrected (AICc) values and biological adequacy. According to this model, optimum and high developmental threshold temperatures for eggs, feeding larvae, wandering larvae, pupae and total immatures were 39.1, 36.5, 33.2, 35.5, and 34.8 °C and 46.5, 44, 40.4, 42.5 and 41.5 °C, respectively. According to the polynomial regression model, maximum survival was estimated at temperatures of 28.2, 28.7, 26.7 and 26.5 °C, of eggs, feeding larvae, wandering larvae and pupae, respectively. This study can be used to predict the potential distribution of SHB in non-native locations.

Controlling small hive beetles, Aethina tumida, in western honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies by trapping wandering beetle larvae

The small hive beetle (SHB, Aethina tumida) is an invasive honey bee pest. It has been introduced into many countries worldwide and it will continue to spread. The lifecycle of the SHB is divided between a feeding and reproduction phase inside honey bee colonies and a pupation phase in the soil, surrounding colonies. Once larvae have achieved their ideal weight, they leave the hive in search of suitable soil in which to pupate. Trapping larvae when they leave the hive could reduce the reproductive success of SHBs, as this would break their lifecycle. Therefore, we investigated the larvae containment rate of different trap designs. Dry and wet larvae were released into traps and left to wander for 12 h, after which we counted the larvae remaining in the trap. Similarly, we tested the permeability of different mesh sizes for dry and wet larvae. Finally, we investigated the speed dry larvae are capable of crawling, by recording the time it took them to crawl a known distance. Dry larvae were contained by all traps. While most designs were unable to contain wet larvae, a trap with walls of sandpaper was able to contain all larvae successfully. Larvae could not pass through a mesh size of 1 mm in dry or wet conditions. The mean wandering larvae speed observed was 0.42 cm/sc. We recommend the use of traps for wandering SHB larvae as a mitigative measure for new introductions and a control method for established populations.

Relative Abundance and Status of Arthropod Pests and Diseases of Honey Bees at South Ari District of South Western Ethiopia

Aim: To determine the species composition, relative abundance and status of honey bee pests and diseases in South Ari district of South Omo Zone of Southern Western Ethiopia.
 Study Design: Four major honey producing peasant associations (PAs) representing diverse ecological zones were selected purposively, while the sub-localities, villages and beekeepers were selected randomly using a nested design.
 Place and Duration of Study: Survey was conducted between 1, August – 30, December 2019 with the interval of one month in major honey producing peasant associations representing diverse ecological zones of Ari district of South Western Ethiopia.
 Methodology: The assessment on abundance and status was made from of half kilogram of fresh and dry honey comb samples that were taken from 720 farmer’s hives of four peasant associations using taxonomic key of books related to arthropod pests and diseases of honey bee.
 Results: Five species of predators and parasitoids belonging to four orders were recorded. Of these 76.63% accounts for small hive beetles, followed ants (38.31%) and wasps (19.92%). Besides, six type’s diseases of honey bee caused by different pathogens were recorded. Of which, Chalk brood, other virosis, European foulbrood and American foulbrood, respectively were the most frequently occurring. In terms of the status, the diseases of honey bee were in the following orders, i.e., Chalk brood > other virosis > European foulbrood > American foulbrood > Sac Brood Virus, while their pests were in the following orders, i.e., Small hive beetles > Ants > Wasps > Wax moths > Spiders.
 Conclusion: Arthropod pests and diseases were the most important constraints of honey colony and honey production in the study areas. Thus, it is important to design and implement effective management strategies to reduce loss of honey colony and honey production in the study area.

Global warming promotes biological invasion of a honey bee pest.

Climate change and biological invasions are two major global environmental challenges. Both may interact, e.g. via altered impact and distribution of invasive alien species. Even though invasive species play a key role for compromising the health of honey bees, the impact of climate change on the severity of such species is still unknown. The small hive beetle (SHB, Aethina tumida, Murray) is a parasite of honey bee colonies. It is endemic to sub‐Saharan Africa and has established populations on all continents except Antarctica. Since SHBs pupate in soil, pupation performance is governed foremost by two abiotic factors, soil temperature and moisture, which will be affected by climate change. Here, we investigated SHB invasion risk globally under current and future climate scenarios. We modelled survival and development time during pupation (=pupal performance) in response to soil temperature and soil moisture using published and novel experimental data. Presence data on SHB distribution were used for model validation. We then linked the model with global soil data in order to classify areas (resolution: 10 arcmin; i.e. 18.6 km at the equator) as unsuitable, marginal and suitable for SHB pupation performance. Under the current climate, the results show that many areas globally yet uninvaded are actually suitable, suggesting considerable SHB invasion risk. Future scenarios of global warming project a vehement increase in climatic suitability for SHB and corresponding potential for invasion, especially in the temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere, thereby creating demand for enhanced and adapted mitigation and management. Our analysis shows, for the first time, effects of global warming on a honey bee pest and will help areas at risk to prepare adequately. In conclusion, this is a clear case for global warming promoting biological invasion of a pest species with severe potential to harm important pollinator species globally.

A Brief Overview on the Application, Potential Exposure Routes, and the Effects of Neonicotinoid Insecticides on the Honey Bee Pest Varroa Mite

The aim of this study was to assess the potential harmful effects of neonicotinoids inside honey bee colonies and especially on the honey bee pest, Varroa destructor. This paper shortly summarized previous studies which investigated the toxicity of neonicotinoids to honey bees. The possible exposure routes of these insecticides to Varroa mites inside and outside bee colonies were studied. And finally, the link between the adverse effects of neonicotinoids and Varroa mite life cycle in the brood cells and the influence of these chemicals on the mites inside bee colonies were investigated. It was concluded that the application of neonicotinoid insecticides on a variety of agricultural crops may result in the exposure of honey bees to these chemicals and as a consequence, Varroa mites (parasites living inside bee colonies) also got exposed to these insecticides indirectly. The present study re-emphasized on ecotoxicological attempts assessing the risk of these insecticides to honey bees as well as on ecological and behavioral aspects of their application inside bee colonies.