Small Hive Beetle (SHB) Aethina tumida is a devastating pest of honey bees. Prior to 2002, it was not known to exist in Australia, however, it is now present in NSW, Queensland, Victoria, Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and part of WA.
In March 2023, Tasmania detected small hive beetle through routine surveillance. As a result, Biosecurity Tasmania launched an emergency response, with the beetle being declared successfully eradicated in April 2024.
Adult SHB are broad, flattened beetles, about 5-7 mm long and dark brown to nearly black in colour. Larvae are elongated white grubs. Pupae are white to brown in colour and can be found in soil beneath the hive. Development from egg to adult takes 38-81 days with five generations a year. Adults and larvae inhabit hives where they feed on stored honey and pollen, damaging combs and killing broods. Honey ferments causing the hive to 'slime out'.
Further information on SHB can be found on BeeAware.
Small hive beetle larva
Division of Plant Industry,
University of Florida
Small hive beetle - adult dorsal view
(Click on the image to see a larger version)
Copyright: Jeffrey Lotz, Division of Plant Industry,
Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
See Also:
Rules for Moving Bees, Apiary Products and Used Apiary Equipment