Small hive beetle (Aethina tumida)

Last Modified: Fri, 09 Jun 2023 13:06:10 IST
Disease name Small hive beetle (Aethina tumida)
Animal Health Law Category if applicable D, E
Species affected Bee
Description The small hive beetle, Aethina tumida Murray 1867 (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), is a parasite and scavenger of honey bee colonies. Adult and larvae small hive beetles feed on honey bee brood, honey and pollen, thus causing brood death, fermentation of honey and comb destruction. The beetles can promote structural collapse of the nest and cause the adult honey bees to abscond.
Status in Ireland Absent
Date of Last known case of disease in Ireland Unknown
DAFM Division Responsible Ag Horticulture and Plant Health
Contact Rachel Wisdom; beekeeping@agriculture.gov.ie
Legislation
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2016/si/130/made/en/
Link to relevant external website
Notifiable in Ireland Yes
WOAH Listed Yes
WOAH Link https://www.woah.org/en/disease/diseases-of-bees/
Publications