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Two sampling methods provide the best estimates of mite populations. Both involve removing mites from the bodiesof adult bees, then counting the mites to establish a standard percentage measure of mite numbers (i.e., number of mites per 100 adult bees). The recommended sampling methods in Fiji is with icing (powdered) sugar shake. Practice improves accuracy

From the island country of Fiji, researchers have described nine new, and four previously known, species of bees belong to the genus Homalictus, a group that’s not been taxonomically reviewed in Fiji for 40 years. Many Homalictus bee species either have very restricted distributions or are known only from single mountaintops, the researchers say, and

So we have been having discussions on which flowers do honey bees like or indeed even land on, and collect nectar and pollen from in Fiji. There is normal vocal disagreement and discussion, always good natured 🙂 , at every Fiji Beekeepers Association meeting.

Carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp. — 8 species) are the largest native bees in Fiji. These are WILD bees, and not kept by beekeepers.

The threat of varroa mite Varroa mite, Varroa jacobsoni is a serious external parasite of honeybees. Varroa mite damages honeybees through feeding on the brood and adult bees and transmitting various diseases. The Varroa mite infested colonies are significantly weakened and usually cannot survive for more than one or two years. Varroa mite poses a

I have uploaded each chapter of `A Guide to Beekeeping in the Tropics' with Gavin McKenzie to YouTube for everyone to see fast and simply. It is easiest followed from this playlist.