The wings of infested bees are often unhooked, with the hind wing projecting 90 degrees from the axis of the body. These bees are unable to fly and crawl about the hive entrance (crawlers). Infected bees have been observed to exit the colony and die.
Population levels of mites are usually highest in the early spring when bee populations are the lowest. If the wintering colony is weak due to food shortage or disease, the effect of mites is increased. Mite populations are lowest in the summer when bee populations are high.
- John Skinner, University of Tennessee
Bee Informed Partnership