The mite attaches to the bee's body, feeding on its hemolymph, which is akin to blood in vertebrates. This feeding process not only weakens the bee by draining its nutrients but also introduces a range of viruses and other pathogens. These pathogens can exacerbate the mite's impact, leading to colony collapse. The combined effects of nutrient depletion and pathogen transmission make Varroa destructor a significant threat to honeybee health.
