Genotypic variation in susceptibility of honey bees (Apis mellifera) to infestation by tracheal mites (Acarapis woodi)

Two-way selection for lines of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) susceptible and resistant to infestation by tracheal mites (Acarapis woodi Rennie) was conducted for two generations. Individuals of the susceptible line were 1.4 and 2.4 times more likely to become infested by female mites after the first and second generations, respectively. These results demonstrate that genotypic variability exsts within North American populations and that selection for resistance is feasible. The mechanisms of resistance are unknown.