About Small Hive Beetle
A small dark beetle native to sub-Saharan Africa that is a serious pest of honeybee colonies. It has spread to North America, Australia, and parts of Europe.
Did You Know?
Larvae can destroy an entire honeybee colony by consuming all the stored honey and pollen.
How to Identify Small Hive Beetle
Small Hive Beetle (Aethina tumida) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Scarabaeidae. Adults typically measure 5-7 mm.
Small Hive Beetle Habitat
Small Hive Beetle is found in underground habitats, particularly across Africa, North America, Australia, Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Small Hive Beetle Diet and Feeding
Small Hive Beetle feeds on pollen collected from flowers. As a pollen feeder, it plays a role in pollination, helping to fertilise plants as it moves from flower to flower.
Where Is Small Hive Beetle Found?
Small Hive Beetle can be found in Africa, North America, Australia, Europe, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Small Hive Beetle can be found
Is Small Hive Beetle Dangerous?
Small Hive Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Small Hive Beetle Role in Nature
Small Hive Beetle plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Hive Beetle
What does Small Hive Beetle look like?
The Small Hive Beetle typically measures 5-7 mm.
Where is Small Hive Beetle found?
The Small Hive Beetle is found in Africa, North America, Australia, Europe and typically inhabits underground environments.
What does Small Hive Beetle eat?
The Small Hive Beetle feeds on pollen collected from flowers.
Is Small Hive Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Small Hive Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Small Hive Beetle endangered?
The Small Hive Beetle is currently classified as Not Evaluated by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Small Hive Beetle?
Larvae can destroy an entire honeybee colony by consuming all the stored honey and pollen.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Small Hive Beetle (Aethina tumida). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/small-hive-beetle
MLA:
"Small Hive Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/small-hive-beetle.