Which phase in the Varroa lifecycle involves the female feeding on pupae?

In the lifecycle of the Varroa mite, the phase related to the female feeding on pupae is the adult phase. During this phase, the female Varroa mite typically enters the brood cells of honeybee larvae, where she feeds on the developing pupae. This feeding occurs primarily in the capped brood stage, when the bees are in their pupa form. The adult female mite can penetrate the cell and access the pupae, which provides nourishment that supports the mite's reproduction and development.

Understanding this aspect of the Varroa lifecycle is critical for beekeepers, as it helps in managing mite populations. By recognizing when and how these mites feed, beekeepers can implement effective control measures to minimize the impact on their bee colonies. The other phases—egg, nymph, and pupa—do not involve feeding on adult pupae in the same way; rather, they involve different stages of development in the mite lifecycle.