Large black scavenger beetle with orangish-reddish markings that is not currently in North America. Other native large scavenger beetles may be found in debris area of colonies.
Large-bodied (about 3/4 inch or 18 mm long) scarab (scavenger) beetle. Body and wing cover color varies from solid black to black with orange or red longitudinal stripes. This beetle is common in some areas of Africa and seems to be “tolerated” in the hive by the bees; though absconding is noted if beetle numbers are high. Large hive beetles in Africa are typically considered an incidental pest. Exclusion seems to be the preferred control method. Any number of scarab species can invade managed honey bee colonies in North America. As in Africa, large hive beetles in the U.S. are considered a minor nuisance.
There is wide variety and size variation among large scarab (scavenger) beetle species.
Flow Hive. 2020. What is Large Hive Beetle and how do I treat it? Honey Flow. Accessed 2023. https://www.honeyflow.com/blogs/pests-and-diseases/large-hive-beetle
Fraser M, Caron DM and vanEngelsdorp D. 2014. A Field Guide to Honey Bees and their Maladies. PennState Extension AGRS 116. https://extension.psu.edu/a-field-guide-to-honey-bees-and-their-maladies (available for purchase)
