Effect of Tropilaelaps clareae Delfinado and Baker (Mesostigmata : Laelapidae) Infestation on Colony Buildup and Stores in Apis mellifera L. Colonies

Effect of Tropilaelaps clareae Delfinado and Baker infestation on colony buildup and stores was evaluated in Apis mellifera L. colonies in the year 2004-05. Colony strength i.e. number of active frames per colony ranged from 6.80 frames to 9.40. Lowest colony strength (6.8 frames per colony) was recorded in April-May when highest per cent (8.00%) of mite infestation was recorded with negative correlation (-0.98) between the two variables. Significant positive correlation (0.96) between fluctuation in mite incidence and brood area was recorded. Colony stores like pollen area and honey were on par with mite incidence. The number of bees performing foraging activity was significantly less in T. clareae infested colonies (218.5 bees) than uninfested colonies (230.4 bees).