The foundress mite in a Varroa destructor infestation is the first mature female mite to invade a capped honey bee brood cell. This marks the start of a new reproductive cycle as she feeds on the developing bee pupa and lays eggs—in males first, followed by females. This process establishes a new mite family within the cell, emerging alongside the adult bee. These mites are a major factor in colony decline, weakening bees and spreading viruses which makes their management vital for ensuring the

Worker Bee Life Cycle: Day 16 - The most forceful bee enemy, The Varroa mite, Has its only reproduction phase Inside capped bee brood cells | OneQueen.ro