Beekeeping Glossary

An external parasitic mite and the single greatest threat facing managed honey bee colonies worldwide, attaching to bees to feed on their fat bodies and reproducing inside capped brood cells. Beyond the direct physical harm, Varroa transmits a range of debilitating viruses — particularly deformed wing virus — that shorten bee lifespans, weaken colonies, and can cause collapse if infestations are not actively managed.

A behavioral trait in honey bee colonies in which worker bees detect and remove Varroa-infested brood from capped cells, disrupting the mite reproductive cycle. VSH is a selectively bred trait and is one of the most promising genetic approaches to Varroa management currently being developed and distributed to beekeepers.

A reservoir connected to the stinger of worker bees and queens that stores venom until it is injected during a sting. Worker bee venom sacs continue pumping venom into the wound even after the stinger detaches, which is why removing a stinger quickly reduces the amount of venom delivered.

A newly emerged queen who has not yet taken her mating flights and therefore carries no sperm. She remains fertile only after successfully mating with multiple drones during her mating flights, typically within the first two weeks of her adult life.