Andy Nachbaur wrote:
Dear friends:
     Recently I have seen quite a few posts on Bee-L regarding
observations of "mite-like" creatures on their bees or confines of the
colony.  I would like to offer the following lines in an effort to
assist in the differentiation of Varroa mites.
     I agree that the bee louse might be confused with Varroa mites by
observers at a glance. However, upon closer inspection, definite
identification can be made of the two.
The bee louse (Braula coeca) has three pairs of legs while Varroa mites
have four pairs of legs.  The bee louse generally will be observed
attached to the head or dorsal aspect of the thorax of bees and most
usually on queens.  While I have seen mites on all anatomical sections
of bees in heavy infestations,  Varroa mites prefer the ventral aspect
of the abdominal segment where they feed by inserting their mouth parts
between the segments of the abdomen.  The louse feeds directly from the
mouth of the host bee.
     I am in agreement that most beekeepers do not have magnifying
equipment to make this fine differentiation. However, all beekeepers
should become acquainted with the appearance of Varroa mites simply by
looking at pictures available in bee literature.  Once known, Varroa
mites will not be confused with any other mite or spider, etc.
     In my opinion, Varroa mites are significantly important to
humankind enough that every beekeeper should make efforts to know how to
recognize them.  I do not have a scanner, but I do know a friend that
does.  I plan to ask my friend to send me a post with photos of these.
If and when I receive them, I promise that I will post them to the list.
 
Best regards.
Dr. Rodriguez
Virginia Beach, VA