Soggy bee

[iainfm]

Hi,

Found a very soggy-looking bumblebee today. Just wondering if anyone knows why it might be like this (eg is it newly-pupated?). It hadn't been raining.

I'm not sure what the thing on its back is either.

Any suggestions welcome!

Thanks,

Iain

 

[Bondy]

Unfortunately it looks like Varroa destructor, a mite that is believed to be responsible for the decline in honey bees