Can you spot the varroa mite?

GSF · August 12, 2013, 08:31:48 PM

For training purposes don't say where just say yes or no, later on I'll point it out if someone doesn't see it.

Can you spot the varroa mite?

sc-bee · August 12, 2013, 08:51:12 PM

Why of course, can't you. Especially with the magnified camera lens :-D

hjon71 · August 12, 2013, 09:48:27 PM

I think I can
I think I can
I think I can
:-P

MsCarol · August 12, 2013, 09:58:51 PM

OH stop torturing us NEW BEES!!

OK I agree this is a good exercise.....but I am still lost.

I am sure "seeing" it for the first time will be the same OH WOW of the first time spotting the queen.

GSF · August 12, 2013, 10:34:22 PM

I'll point it out probably tomorrow afternoon. It "has" to be on a stray bee - my girls are too pure to be tainted :angel:

Jackam · August 13, 2013, 01:28:53 AM

I was looking for a larger, easier to spot version but I THINK I found a smaller one....

RC · August 13, 2013, 08:27:27 AM

Come on, people. Stevie Wonder could see it. :-D
Don't look for the mite. Look for something out of the ordinary.

Carol · August 13, 2013, 10:09:20 AM

I had to zoom way in to spot it....then couldn't find it when I zoomed out...did that a few times...now I know where it is...at least I think I do. :goodpost:

Finski · August 13, 2013, 11:08:18 AM

.

Can I, no I cannot. So mad idea.

.

GSF · August 13, 2013, 03:29:17 PM

Okay,

Almost dead center of the frame, to the left and up a little. The bee has its back to you and there's an open space behind the bee. Look right between the wings. Little red zit looking something. That's it. You may have to increase magnification for a better view. Hope this was fun & educational.

Finski · August 13, 2013, 04:35:57 PM

Quote from: GSF on August 13, 2013, 03:29:17 PM
Hope this was fun & educational.

I saw first mites in year 1982. Very fun. Mite has killed lots of hives from me.

Spear · August 13, 2013, 05:42:48 PM

I see it but is that not a bit small to be a varroa mite? :? From what I've seen and heard if bees were human sized the varroa mite would be about rabbit size. Please correct me if I'm wrong here...

Finski · August 13, 2013, 05:46:39 PM

.
Varroa is varroa size.

.

10framer · August 13, 2013, 06:04:11 PM

Quote from: Spear on August 13, 2013, 05:42:48 PM
I see it but is that not a bit small to be a varroa mite? :? From what I've seen and heard if bees were human sized the varroa mite would be about rabbit size. Please correct me if I'm wrong here...

i think it's the perspective of the picture plus it's partially buried in the hair. i had a hard time finding it last night but my eyes are not what they were a few years ago.

Vance G · August 13, 2013, 09:33:44 PM

Yeah it is indeed stevie wonder obvious

GSF · August 13, 2013, 10:10:42 PM

I have a heck of a camera - Nikon D80. Guess it's time for me to break out the old DVD that came with it and get versed again with it. I used to could take a heck of a shot but I haven't fooled with it much in the last two or three years.

millipede · August 14, 2013, 01:53:35 AM

Good pic. I hate those things.

Finski · August 14, 2013, 04:15:30 AM

Quote from: 10framer on August 13, 2013, 06:04:11 PM

i think it's the perspective of the picture plus it's partially buried in the hair.

Usual situation of mites are between abdomen scales. There skin is easy to penetrate.

Michael Bush · August 14, 2013, 12:57:51 PM

I can't say for sure if there is or isn't a Varroa in your picture. Here's one with the circled for those who want a scale and want to know what they look like on a bee...
http://www.bushfarms.com/images/Varroa2.jpg

MsCarol · August 14, 2013, 10:25:03 PM

FINALLY.....Now I see it.

Me thinks I need to order a new set of eyes!! :roll:

The mites are tiny things.

Question: can they be found on dead bees or do they "abandon ship" as soon as the gal is fading?