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In late May, 1998, a beekeeper in St. Lucie County, Florida, discovered beetles severely damaging beehives. The beetles are Aethina tumida Murray, known as an apiary pest in South Africa where it is called the small hive beetle. This the first record for this beetle in the Western Hemisphere. The adults (Fig. 1) are broad, flattened beetles about 5-7 mm long and dark brown to nearly black in color. The larvae (Fig. 2) are elongate, whitish grubs which under magnification can be seen to have rows of spines on the dorsum. Adults and larvae inhabit beehives, where they feed on stored pollen and honey. Combs are damaged and brood killed by the burrowing of the beetle larvae. Bees have been observed in Florida to abandon combs once they are infested by the beetles. As an infestation grows, the honey ferments, and bubbles out of the cells. The fermenting honey is said to have the odor of decaying oranges. Pupae are white to brown and are found in the soil beneath hives. In South Africa, development from egg to adult required 38 to 81 days, with five generations a year possible during the warmer months. The beetles are likely to be able to infest the nests of wild bees, as well as feral colonies of honeybees. — Michael C. Thomas

B. Photos

Figure 1. Aethina tumida Murray, adult, dorsal view. Beetle is somewhat distended.

Figure 2. Aethina tumida, larva, dorsal view.

Figure 3. Aethina tumida, adult dorsal view. More natural appearance.

Figure 4. Larvae of Aethina tumida in hive.