Template:POTD protected/2007-11-30

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Varroa destructor

Varroa destructor, a type of mite, is seen parasitizing a honeybee host in this digitally colorized low-temperature scanning electron microscope image. Varroa mites threaten agricultural pollination directly by weakening and destroying bee colonies. They also mandate more regular management of hives that is both labor-intensive and expensive.

Image credit: Erbe & Pooley, ARS