The small hive beetle, Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera:Nitidulidae) and its differentiation from domestic insects living in the hive.: Literature review

This review attempts to summarize information on small hive beetles, relating to its biology and life cycle; with specific reference to its current distribution and damage in the world that it causes; and control of this pest. The author deals with the possibility of the detection and differential diagnosis of small hive beetle in the Hungarian apiaries. The impact of this pest on European apiaries has been unknown. Free global trade and movement of biological material around the globe include the possibility to introduce small hive beetle to our continent, too. So the Hungarian state veterinary service has to use every effort to prevent the invasion and to prepare us for the attack of this invasive species, Aethina tumida.