Swarm-Mediated Spread: Invasive Tropilaelaps Mite Moves Between Honey Bee Colonies
A European–Chinese study shows Tropilaelaps mercedesae mites hitch rides on swarming honey bees, survive and reproduce in new colonies under temperate conditions, proving swarms can spread the invasive mite beyond Asia and underscoring the need for strong beekeeping practices to curb transmission and drift.