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Infected bee, SEM
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Infected bee, SEM
Diseased bee. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a honeybee (Apis mellifera) infected with mites (Varroa sp. not seen). The mites cause a disease called varroatosis, which often results in deformed wings. Honeybee mites feed on the body fluid of adult bees and their pupae. Female mites lay their eggs inside the wax brood cells that contain larvae. There, the mites can cause significant damage to a bees development, as seen here. Infestation of a hive with mites can cause eventual destruction of the colony. Honeybees are economically important as pollinators of many of the worlds crops
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6465575
© VOLKER STEGER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Apis Mellifera Arachnida Blood Sucker Blood Sucking Damaged Deformed Disease Causing Diseased Haematophagous Infected Malformed Mite Parasite Parasitic Vector Wing
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the intricate details of an infected honeybee, revealing the devastating effects of mite infestation. The coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) showcases a diseased bee from the species Apis mellifera, with its deformed wings serving as a visible testament to the disease called varroatosis. Varroa mites, although not seen in this image, are responsible for causing this affliction. These parasitic creatures feed on the body fluid of adult bees and their pupae, laying eggs inside wax brood cells that contain larvae. As depicted here, these mites can inflict significant damage on a bee's development. The consequences extend beyond individual bees; an infestation within a hive can lead to the eventual destruction of an entire colony. This is particularly troubling considering honeybees' crucial role as pollinators for numerous crops worldwide. Through this photograph, we gain insight into the world of these small yet vital creatures and witness firsthand how parasites like Varroa sp. can disrupt their delicate ecosystem. It serves as a reminder of both nature's complexity and our responsibility to protect these invaluable insects from diseases caused by blood-sucking arachnids like mites. This stunning SEM image was captured by Science Photo Library and offers us a glimpse into the hidden struggles faced by honeybees in their fight against varroatosis—a battle that impacts not only them but also global agriculture and biodiversity at large.
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