Genomic survey of the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor, a major pest of the honey bee Apis mellifera.

Background: The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor has emerged as the primary pest of domestic honey bees (Apis mellifera). Here we present an initial survey of the V. destructor genome carried out to advance our understanding of Varroa biology and to identify new avenues for mite control.