# Identification and pathogen detection of a Neocypholaelaps species (Acari: Mesostigmata: Ameroseiidae) from beehives in the Republic of Korea

## TL;DR

A new strain of Neocypholaelaps mites was found in Korean beehives and may spread honeybee diseases.

## Contribution

The discovery of Neocypholaelaps sp. KOR23 and its potential role in transmitting honeybee pathogens.

## Key findings

- Neocypholaelaps sp. KOR23 was identified in Korean beehives through morphological and molecular analysis.
- Nine honeybee pathogens were detected in the mites, suggesting they may act as disease vectors.

## Abstract

In this study, we identified a new strain of the genus Neocypholaelaps from the beehives of Apis mellifera colonies in the Republic of Korea (ROK). The Neocypholaelap sp. KOR23 mites were collected from the hives of honeybee apiaries in Wonju, Gangwon-do, in May 2023. Morphological and molecular analyses based on 18S and 28S rRNA gene regions conclusively identified that these mites belong to the genus Neocypholaelaps, closely resembling Neocypholaelaps sp. APGD-2010 that was first isolated from the United States. The presence of 9 of 25 honeybee pathogens in these mite samples suggests that Neocypholaelaps sp. KOR23 mite may act as an intermediate vector and carrier of honeybee diseases. The identification of various honeybee pathogens within this mite highlights their significance in disease transmission among honeybee colonies. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the taxonomy and implications of these mites for bee health management and pathogen dissemination.