Bumblebee mite. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a bee mite (Subclass Acari) on the body of a dead bumblebee. These parasitic mites attach to the body of the bee and weaken it by sucking haemolymph, the insects blood. In doing this the mites can spread viruses to the bee. A significant mite infestation will lead to the death of the bee and may be a contributing factor to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) in honey bees. Magnification: x200 when printed 10 centimetres wide.