Mites associated with concealed and open nests of Apis cerana indica in Kerala, South India

Abstract

Apis cerana indica, the common Indian honeybee, constructs nests in dark places, like hollow tree trunks, soil crevices, shaded roofs, subterranean holes, etc. In contrast to these concealed nests, also some open nests were found in the area of Malabar. Here, parallel structures of 6-8 combs were observed hanging from branches of Anacardium occidentale and Bambusa gigantea trees. An open nest may have advantages to the bees in that they suffer less disturbance from ectoparasitic and phoretic mites. Moreover, they are less resticted in nesting space than when their nests are concealed in hollow trees, termitaria, soil cracks, etc. It may also have advantages for apiculture. Beekeepers and apicultural researchers can regularly observe colony organization, mobilization, propagation, parasitic invasion, and parasite resistance. Moreover, open nests, being larger, may produce more honey and facilitate extraction of honey without much destruction of bees and brood cells. A survey of mites was carried out on natural colonies of A. cerana indica, covering various districts of Kerala.