Life History of Afrocypholaelaps africana (Evans) (Acari: Ameroseiidae), a Mite Inhabiting Mangrove Flowers and Phoretic on Honeybees

Abstract

In October 1993, umbels of the river mangrove Aegiceras corniculatum were infested by the ameroseiid mite Afrocypholaelaps africana (up to 32,000 m‐2 of mangrove canopy) at each of 11 sites sampled in southeastern Queensland. Mite populations declined as flowering decreased and were locally extinct by 20 January. Individual mangrove florets lasted about 6 d; umbels were in flower for about 10 d. Unopened buds were mite‐free, but newly opened florets were colonised by all post‐embryonic stages of the mite. In the laboratory, the mites fed on pollen and sugar water. Mites dispersed on honeybees (Apis mellifera) primarily as egg‐bearing adult females; however, a relatively small proportion of males and immature stages also occurred on bees. Only adult females have sucker‐like ambulacral pads lacking claws, an apparent adaptation for phoresy. Most mites boarded and departed the bee via the tongue and were found on the venter of the head and thorax of the bee. Additionally, bees collected mites with pollen, and crushed many immature mites into their pollen baskets. Large populations of mites occurred on honeybees at beehives during late April. Copyright © 1995, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved