@ruth_mottram@fediscience.org2025-06-10 07:59:12
Is there an entomologist on the line? I have noticed at least 3 different bumble bees with this strange pale mark on the back (it's difficult to see clearly because they're never still).
I *think* it might be a kind of mite (varroa?) , they clearly feel it because I could see all the bees were stroking it occasionally with a leg, but they still continued flying and feeding. This was the best of about a hundred photos I tried to take with my phone!
Any clues what it is? @… #bumblebee #bees #mites #Mitestodon
Edit: new photo crop might be clearer
