> Our data show for the first time that the honeybee virus DWV can infect Tropilaelaps mercedesae and replicate in this host. This is also the first evidence for a honeybee virus in another Acari host other than V. destructor. In light of the similar life histories of the ectoparasitic honeybee mites V. destructor and T. mercedesae, this strongly suggests that T. mercedesae may also act as a biological vector of honeybee viruses.

> This indicates that the amount and role of shared pathogens has been considerably underestimated in the social insects, which could be relevant given the potential effects of host shifts for virulence (Woolhouse et al., 2001). Indeed, a potentially higher DWV virulence in bumble bees than in honeybees has already been reported (Genersch et al., 2006). 

> The possible impact of Tropilaelaps mites on the virulence of the honeybee viruses and their potential role for honeybee colony losses should be evaluated in future studies. In any case, the combination of our laboratory data with earlier field observations (Burgett et al., 1983) strongly suggest that Tropilaelaps mites may be biological vectors of honeybee viruses, thereby constituting another transmission route both within and between honeybee colonies.

Tropilaelaps mercedesae as a vector of honeybee viruses
Insect. Soc.	Vol. 56, 2009 
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