PCR-based detection of a tracheal mite of the honey bee Acarapis woodi

[Display omitted] ► Tracheal mite infestation could have negative impact on honey bee colony. ► We developed PCR methods to detect Acarapis woodi. ► These methods facilitate rapid and sensitive detection of A. woodi. ► They are particularly good for epidemiologic surveys with many honey bee samples. The effects of the tracheal mite Acarapis woodi on the health of honey bees have been neglected since the prevalence of Varroa mites to Apis mellifera colonies. However, tracheal mite infestation of honey bee colonies still occurs worldwide and could impose negative impact on apiculture. The detection of A. woodi requires the dissection of honey bees followed by microscopic observation of the tracheal sacs. We thus developed PCR methods to detect A. woodi. These methods facilitate rapid and sensitive detection of A. woodi in many honey bee samples for epidemiologic surveys.