The combination of a wide-mouth jar and a metal mesh filter creates a specialized mechanical separation system essential for the David de Jong Test. This apparatus functions by containing adult bee samples in a soapy water solution where agitation dislodges Varroa mites, while the integrated 4mm aperture mesh acts as a precise physical sieve. This ensures that only the smaller parasites pass through for quantification while the larger host bees are retained, enabling the calculation of accurate infestation rates.
Core Takeaway Reliable diagnosis of Varroa destructor levels relies on separating the parasite from the host. By combining liquid agitation to break the mite's grip with a size-specific mesh filter, you transform a biological sample into actionable data regarding colony health and parasite resistance.
The Mechanics of Physical Separation
The efficacy of this diagnostic tool relies on two distinct physical processes working in tandem: fluid agitation and size-exclusion filtration.
The Function of the Wide-Mouth Jar
The jar serves as the reaction vessel for the David de Jong Test. It accommodates the sample—typically a specific number of adult bees—along with a wash solution, such as soapy water. The wide mouth allows for easy insertion of the bee sample and facilitates the vigorous agitation required to mechanically detach the mites.
The Role of the Wash Solution
Within the jar, the soapy water reduces surface tension and acts as a surfactant. When shaken, the fluid turbulence breaks the adhesion of the Varroa mites' tarsi (feet) from the bees' bodies. Without this liquid medium and the mechanical force provided by the jar's enclosed space, the mites would remain attached to the hosts.
The Precision of the 4mm Mesh Filter
The metal mesh acts as a critical "pass/fail" gate. The primary reference specifies a 4mm aperture, which is scientifically calibrated for this application.
- Retention: The mesh is small enough to block the passage of adult honey bees.
- Passage: The mesh is large enough to allow the dislodged mites (and liquid) to flow through freely. This ensures that the final count in the solution consists exclusively of the parasites, eliminating the difficulty of spotting mites on wet, clumped bees.
Application in Research and Management
This hardware setup is not merely for counting; it is a fundamental tool for deeper biological assessment.
Evaluating Diet and Resistance
The primary utility of the David de Jong Test, using this jar-and-mesh configuration, extends to evaluating colony performance. It is specifically used to determine if specific protein diets enhance the honey bees' natural resistance to parasites. By providing an accurate "before and after" or "control vs. test" count, researchers can objectively measure the impact of nutritional interventions.
Calculating Infestation Rates
The ultimate output of this system is a standardized metric, typically expressed as mites per 100 bees. This standardization allows for:
- Comparison between different colonies.
- Verification of treatment efficacy.
- Assessment of seasonal infestation trends.
Understanding the Trade-offs
While effective, the technical constraints of this method must be understood to ensure data integrity.
Mesh Size Sensitivity
The 4mm aperture is the standard for the David de Jong Test, but precision is key. If the mesh is significantly larger, bee body parts or debris may pass through, cluttering the count. If the mesh is too fine (e.g., significantly smaller than the standard), it may trap mites or become clogged with pollen and debris, leading to an artificially low infestation count (false negative).
Destructive Sampling
This method, particularly when using soapy water or alcohol washes as noted in broader applications, is a destructive test. The bees in the sample are sacrificed to obtain the data. While this yields the highest accuracy for counting mites (as it washes mites from the entire body, not just the surface), it requires a calculated decision to sacrifice a small portion of the workforce for the greater good of the colony health assessment.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
Select your equipment and protocol based on the specific data you require.
- If your primary focus is research consistency: Adhere strictly to the 4mm aperture mesh and soapy water protocol (David de Jong Test) to ensure your data on diet and resistance is comparable to established studies.
- If your primary focus is rapid field assessment: Ensure your mesh filter is robust and allows for high-flow drainage to prevent backups that could obscure mite counts.
Summary: The jar and mesh filter function as a precision tool to convert a chaotic biological sample into a clear, quantifiable metric of colony health.
Summary Table:
| Component | Technical Function | Key Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Wide-Mouth Jar | Reaction vessel for fluid agitation & mechanical detachment | Wide opening for easy sampling |
| Wash Solution | Surfactant to break mite adhesion (tarsi) from bee bodies | Soapy water or alcohol |
| 4mm Metal Mesh | Size-exclusion filter; retains bees while passing parasites | Precisely calibrated aperture |
| Data Output | Quantitative assessment of colony health & resistance | Mites per 100 bees |
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References
- Mara Rúbia Romeu Pinto, Fábio Pereira Leivas Leite. Evaluation of low-cost, easy-to-prepare protein diets using beer yeast, sugar cane yeast and texturized soy protein for Africanized Apis mellifera in apiaries in Santa Catarina, Brazil. DOI: 10.33448/rsd-v11i3.26836
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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