World survey of mites associated with bees - can you help?

Dr. Mercedes Delfinado-Baker has recently discovered a new species of Tropilaelaps, T. koenigerum, in Sri Lanka. Since 1961, when she first identified T. clareae in the Philippines in conjunction with Dr. E.W. Baker, she has been steadily contributing to our knowledge of mites that infest bees. Dr. Delfinado-Baker is now undertaking a world survey of mites associated with bees. She seeks our help in providing samples from different countries. Samples of any bee species are required, including honeybees: Apis mellifera, Apis cerana, Apis dorsata, Apis florea.

The announcement of the survey in Bee World No. 4 1982 (pages 178-179) includes the following guidelines to ensure that the samples are packed correctly and that sufficient information is recorded.

Samples required:

up to 50 bees that have been dead less than 24 hours; partially decomposed bees are useless. Keep separate samples from hives in different locations.

OR a piece of brood comb about the size of a hand

OR, for stingless bees, a whole nest if small, otherwise a sample about the size of a closed hana.

Packing samples;

4 pack and send without delay, end meanwhile freeze at as low a temperature as possible. DO NOT send in an airtight container such as a plastic bag or tin box, or in envelopes unprotected against being squashed in the post. Use match--boxes, or similar cardboard containers. Do not put paper tissues inside them. Label the box(es) from each hive or nest clearly A, B, C and label the corresponding record to match the sample.

Record to be supplied with each sample:

Send the following details with the sample, on a sheet of paper no folded more than is necessary:

Identification mark of the corresponding sample: A, B, C...

Date of collection

Name and address of sender

Location of colony, to within 4 km

Symptoms: whole colony dead? colony weakened? adult bees died? other symptoms? are neighbouring colonies/apiaries equally affected? how far away are they?

For Apis species: what other Apis species are in the locality?

Number of colonies believed to be affected, out of total number of ...

Conditions of colonies at last examination: date; strength, number of frames of brood, number of honey supers on hive; state of health

For Meliponinae: other genera/species in the area, as far as is know (if samples of adult bees are sent, these will be identified)

Identification and report:

Within a few weeks, Dr. Delfinedo-Baker will write to the person providing each sample, identifying any mites found, and stating whether or not they are harmful to the bees. Otha useful information will be included if possible, and the sender will also receive details of the final report of the survey when published.

Address for sending: See original journal article