The functional advantage lies in the balance between rapid workflow and precise mechanical separation. A wide-mouth sampling jar, specifically with a 400-mL capacity, eliminates bottlenecks to allow for the rapid pouring and removal of bee samples. When combined with a 2-mm² metal wire mesh lid, the system acts as a specialized sieve during mechanical shaking, permitting detached Varroa mites to fall into a collection tray while ensuring the bees remain safely contained within the jar.
The wide-mouth architecture speeds up handling, while the specific mesh aperture creates a physical barrier that isolates parasites without compromising the integrity of the bee sample.
Optimizing Sample Handling
Rapid Pouring and Removal
The wide-mouth design is strictly a workflow optimization. It allows the operator to introduce live bees into the container and remove them after testing without the constriction typical of narrow-neck bottles. This reduces the time the hive is open and minimizes stress on the bees.
Operational Capacity
With a typical 400-mL capacity, the jar provides adequate volume for the sample. This space is essential during the shaking process, as it allows the bees to tumble freely, increasing the likelihood that parasites will be dislodged and fall toward the mesh lid.
The Mechanics of Filtration
Targeted Mite Separation
The 2-mm² aperture of the metal wire mesh is a calibrated dimension. It is sufficiently large to allow Varroa mites, once detached from the host, to pass through the lid and into a collection tray during mechanical agitation.
Sample Retention
Crucially, this mesh size is small enough to act as a containment barrier for the bees. It ensures that while the parasites are filtered out, the adult worker bees are retained inside the jar, allowing for their return to the colony or subsequent analysis.
Operational Considerations and Trade-offs
Transport vs. Processing
It is critical to distinguish between the separation phase and the transport phase. While the mesh lid is ideal for shaking and separation, it is not suitable for transporting samples mixed with preservation liquid.
Risk of Sample Loss
As indicated by supplementary protocols, a sealed bottle is required during transport. Using the mesh lid during transit would lead to the leakage of preservation fluids and the potential loss of parasites (such as bee lice or mites), which would compromise laboratory diagnosis.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
Select your jar configuration based on the specific stage of your sampling workflow:
- If your primary focus is mechanical separation: Use the 2-mm² mesh lid to allow for the immediate physical filtering of mites from bees during agitation.
- If your primary focus is sample transport: Switch to a solid, sealed lid to retain preservation liquid and maintain the original distribution of parasites for lab diagnosis.
Accuracy in parasite monitoring depends on using the mesh lid for separation and a sealed lid for transport.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Specification | Functional Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Jar Opening | Wide-Mouth | Enables rapid bee introduction and removal; reduces hive-open time. |
| Volume | 400-mL Capacity | Provides sufficient space for bees to tumble and dislodge parasites. |
| Mesh Aperture | 2-mm² Metal Wire | Calibrated to permit mites to pass through while retaining worker bees. |
| Material | Metal Wire Mesh | Durable sieve for mechanical agitation and rigorous shaking protocols. |
| Primary Use | Mechanical Separation | Ideal for on-site filtration of Varroa mites from host samples. |
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References
- M. Taylor, Bernard C. Dominiak. Relative effectiveness of methods that sample worker honey bees to estimate Varroa destructor populations in Apis mellifera colonies. DOI: 10.1007/s13592-024-01143-y
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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