I haven't really posted this image for critique but more for general interest and out of curiosity as to whether others have seen similar problems. In recent weeks a number of Red Mason Bees have emerged from nest holes in my garage wall and all are heavily infested with mites. I've actually photographed one emerging from the nest and can see that it is covered in mites so they're obviously becoming infested in the nests. I think this arises from them using the same nest holes year after year.
The mites don't directly kill the bees but can interfere with their flying and make them generally lethargic. They're trying to go about their normal business (as can be seen) but I have my doubts as to how many will successfully lay eggs. But then maybe fewer bees next year will allow the mites to die off a bit thereby maintaining the natural balance.
It's still not pleasant to see though, particularly given the problems bees are having in general these days
An interesting image - this is what nature photgraphy is all about trying to capture all aspects. Mostly we repeat what has already been done so it is always refreshing to see something a little different!
Really interesting shot. As you know, bees in general are having real problems at the minute so this is a great topical image. It is also interesting from the point of view that this species is generally solitary but has a tendency to congregate around its birth nest-site. This suggests that the mites are very efficient at infesting their host.
Excellent macro work.
Great shot, very impressive, I too stared at it for quite a while.
I have been told if you dip the bees in warm tepid water, all the mites will jump off, like rats leaving a sinking ship, once the bee has dried off it will just fly away again
Absolutely exactly what nature photography sholud be about.
By the way
I was told by an eminent scientist some years back that a predator, parasite, fluke, etc , etc never does any long lasting damage to its host. If it did - it it's self would not survive. !! You cannot bite off the hand that feeds you !
Think about it ?
Cracking shot by the way !
Hi Matt, agree totally with whats already been said. Sometimes we can get tied up looking for the perfect shot yet the picture gives you little else. As with your image expertly taken but with a story and point behind it.
Scott
I can't stop looking at this, poor things. Really a great shot showing one of the many perils our bees are struggling with. John's right though, a parasite can't afford to kill its host, but I do wonder if the numbers of mites are (and remain) very high due to warm winters etc, it will cause and accelerate even more declines in bees.
I too had read that bumble bees' mites jump ship when they're immersed in water so I tried immersing an infested Red Mason Bee, but nothing happened! The mites stayed where they were and I just ended up with a very soggy bee! I think maybe Bumble Bees have a different type of mites.
Excellent work Matt, right up to your usual fine standard. I know that some mites simply use bees as transport between plants, they also do the same thing with humming birds etc.. Maybe it's that kind of mite.. Not sure but an idea at least..
I can't agree with John about parasites biting the hand that feeds them. When I did a two year Parasitology course as part of my Plant Science degree. one of the students on a previous course died through picking up a round worm infection.(Ascariasis) See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascariasis for a description of this very serious disease.
Elephantiasis occurs in the presence of microscopic parasitic worms and can cause extreme suffering to millions of people. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elephantiasis
WARNING graphic images.
Parasitism is a fascinating subject, but not always for those of a nervous disposition.
Discussion
13 repliesThe mites don't directly kill the bees but can interfere with their flying and make them generally lethargic. They're trying to go about their normal business (as can be seen) but I have my doubts as to how many will successfully lay eggs. But then maybe fewer bees next year will allow the mites to die off a bit thereby maintaining the natural balance.
It's still not pleasant to see though, particularly given the problems bees are having in general these days
A larger version is available HERE.
Canon 450D with MP-E 65 macro lens, f10, 1/160, ISO 100. Diffused Speedlight on side-bracket, handheld.
Matt
An interesting image - this is what nature photgraphy is all about trying to capture all aspects. Mostly we repeat what has already been done so it is always refreshing to see something a little different!
David
Really interesting shot. As you know, bees in general are having real problems at the minute so this is a great topical image. It is also interesting from the point of view that this species is generally solitary but has a tendency to congregate around its birth nest-site. This suggests that the mites are very efficient at infesting their host.
Excellent macro work.
Cheers,
Chris
Very informative image executed to your usual standard.
Much kudos
I have been told if you dip the bees in warm tepid water, all the mites will jump off, like rats leaving a sinking ship, once the bee has dried off it will just fly away again
By the way
I was told by an eminent scientist some years back that a predator, parasite, fluke, etc , etc never does any long lasting damage to its host. If it did - it it's self would not survive. !! You cannot bite off the hand that feeds you !
Think about it ?
Cracking shot by the way !
JohnR
Thanks.
Scott
Great shot, well seen and taken.
I too had read that bumble bees' mites jump ship when they're immersed in water so I tried immersing an infested Red Mason Bee, but nothing happened! The mites stayed where they were and I just ended up with a very soggy bee! I think maybe Bumble Bees have a different type of mites.
Matt
Brett
I can't agree with John about parasites biting the hand that feeds them. When I did a two year Parasitology course as part of my Plant Science degree. one of the students on a previous course died through picking up a round worm infection.(Ascariasis) See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascariasis for a description of this very serious disease.
Elephantiasis occurs in the presence of microscopic parasitic worms and can cause extreme suffering to millions of people. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elephantiasis
WARNING graphic images.
Parasitism is a fascinating subject, but not always for those of a nervous disposition.
Matt