What to make of a bee whose wings are spread out in the form of a cross or a “K”?
- The bee is fanning to dissipate the heat of the colony.
- The bee is signalling a source of nectar to the neighbouring foragers.
- The bee may be affected by acarine disease.
Show answer
Correct answer: 3.
The bee may be affected by acarine disease.
Why?
An adult bee that shows wings spread out in the form of a cross or a “K” may be affected by acarine disease. This condition is linked to the mite Acarapis woodi, which parasitises the respiratory tract of the adult bee.
The affected bees may become weak, unable to fly, crawling or hopping in front of the entrance. These signs are often more visible in spring, when the colony resumes its activity.
The abnormal position of the wings can be explained by lesions or a partial paralysis of the wing muscles, linked to the thoracic and respiratory involvement.
What to understand
The observation of “K”-shaped wings is a useful indication, but it is not always sufficient to make a certain diagnosis. It must be interpreted together with the behaviour of the bee, the state of the colony and the observations at the entrance.
Acarine disease concerns the adult bees, not the brood. It must therefore not be confused with a brood disease such as European foulbrood, American foulbrood or chalkbrood.
Transmission occurs mainly through direct contact between bees. Drifting, robbing and the purchase of infested colonies or queens can promote the spread between colonies.
Key points
Wings spread out in a cross or a “K” can point towards acarine disease.
The associated signs are weakened, crawling adult bees, unable to fly or present in numbers in front of the entrance.
The right reflex is to place this observation within the overall health picture of the colony and, in case of doubt, to seek competent advice.
Further reading
► Observations at the entrance
► Practical Guide: 4.8.1 Entrance observation