Predicting reproduction rate of varroa

A single equation is derived to predict population–density effects on the reproduction rate of the honey bee parasite Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman. This equation provides a simpler alternative to the approach currently used in the literature, and additionally corrects an anomaly in that approach. The method is then extended to the case of co-existing haplotypes of Varroa. It thus derives an equation used without proof for modelling biocontrol of Varroa, and examines the error caused by an approximation necessary for a closed form solution. Additionally a varroa population model incorporating the derived equation is described.

► A simple equation is derived for predicting Varroa destructor reproduction. ► V. destructor population density effects are included. ► The equation corrects anomalies in a previous, published model of density effects. ► A varroa population model containing the new equation is included. ► The approach is applied to co-existing, sexually-isolated V. destructor haplotypes.