How many offspring do Varroa mites reproduce in queen cells compared to other cells?

Varroa mites exhibit a distinctive reproductive strategy when it comes to queen cells compared to worker brood cells. In queen cells, these mites typically reproduce one less offspring than they do in other types of cells. This difference is attributed to the larger size and longer development time of queen bees, which allows the mite to create multiple offspring in worker cells. Specifically, a Varroa mite can lay more eggs in worker cells—often up to five or six—while in queen cells they usually produce only four.

Understanding this reproductive behavior aids beekeepers in managing and controlling Varroa infestations. It highlights the necessity of monitoring not only the mite population but also the conditions in the hive, particularly in relation to queen rearing, as this may affect how rapidly Varroa populations can grow. Hence, recognizing that Varroa mites reproduce differently in various cell types is crucial for effective hive management strategies.