Chalkbrood disease

Chalkbrood disease


  • A fungus which is ingested by bee larvae causing death by starvation
  • Symptoms include scattered brood with perforated cappings
  • The larva dies after the cell is capped and becomes covered by the white-grey fungus, causing the diagnostic ‘mummies’
  • Incidence is usually greater when the colony is under stress due to cool weather or poor nutrition
  • Present throughout Australia, but not confirmed in NT


Scientific name: Ascosphaera apis
EPPRD Category:
Life Form: Fungus

Pest Documents

FS: fact sheet

CP: contingency plan

DP: diagnostic protocol