A Tropilaelaps mercedesae mite walking along comb of the Apis mellifera western honey bee in Thailand. Photo © Wonderstone Films & Project Apis m
ABOUT
Tropilaelaps mites are historical parasites of the giant honey bees. In recent years, one species called Tropilaelaps mercedesae has garnered significant global attention due to its recent range expansion into western Asia and eastern Europe aboard Apis mellifera western honey bees.
The Tropilaelaps Task Force was created in Copenhagen in late 2025 in response to the growing threat of tropilaelaps mites, especially T. mercedesae, to A. mellifera.
PURPOSE
During its first years, the Tropilaelaps Task Force will especially focus its efforts on preparing and assisting newly-exposed and at-risk beekeepers to the mite. This includes developing and refining research and surveillance methods for T. mercedesae, as well as identifying appropriate management tools and strategies.
OUTPUTS
- Review article:
Williams, G.R., Aurell, D., Gill, M.C., Khongphinitbunjong, K., Tokach, R., Traynor, K.S. 2026. Tropilaelaps mercedesae: rapid geographic expansion in a novel honey bee host. Trends in Parasitology XXXX.
RESOURCES
- Apiary Inspectors of America Tropilaelaps resource page: https://www.honeybeepests.org/tropi
- Beeguards Tropilaelaps Repository: https://tropilaelaps.info
- Phira Science: https://www.phira-science.org
CONTACTS
- Maggie Gill, Phira Science, UK | phira.science@gmail.com
- Kitiphong (Golf) Khongphinitbunjong, Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand | kitiphong.kho@mfu.ac.th
- Geoff Williams, Auburn University, USA | williams@auburn.edu
