On the Bookshelf:
Practical Microscopy for Beekeepers
Practical Microscopy for Beekeepers
Bob Maurer
Bee Craft; 2012; 93 pages
ISBN: 978 0 900147-13-5
A basic understanding of the anatomy of the honey bee is essential
for all beekeepers, and for those who are undertaking BBKA
examinations it is vital. Two of the most frequently used books on
bee anatomy are RE Snodgrass’ magisterial book Anatomy of the
Honeybee and HE Dade’s classic Anatomy and Dissection of the
Honeybee. Bob Maurer’s small book Practical Microscopy for
Beekeepers (published in 2012 by Bee Craft; ISBN 978 0 900147-135; pp.93) is an excellent additional and straightforward guide to
microscopes and their use. The book enables both amateur and
professional beekeepers to make use of equipment and techniques
which make it possible to explore the miniature world of bees; their
diseases and their food. Despite being a relatively slim volume, this
book covers a wide range of subjects in a friendly and direct manner.
The emphasis throughout is upon practical techniques that are
needed to make best use of a microscope.
The book starts with the issues surrounding choosing of an
appropriate light microscope. There is a careful description of the
differences between compound and dissecting microscopes. The
various parts of a microscope are described and illustrated. How
the microscope should be set up for maximum effectiveness is
outlined very clearly.
The photographs and line drawings in the book are particularly
noteworthy. This is especially true in the chapters that deal with
screening for adult bee diseases and also the making of pollen
slides. The making of bee anatomy slides is also described very well
and once again the emphasis is upon simple and straightforward
techniques.
The heart of this book can be found in the chapter that deals
with the dissection of the honey bee; Maurer writes: ‘There’s a
wonderful sense of achievement when you discover, for real, all the bits
you have seen in text books. You will gain a much better understanding
of the internal organs and the way they interact.’ Maurer commends
the use of Dade’s Anatomy and Dissection of the Honeybee (published
by IBRA) — particularly the set of laminated drawings that comes
with the latest edition — in conjunction with this book.
The book concludes with a series of short chapters on a range
of practical issues and techniques that must be mastered to gain
maximum benefit from using a light microscope. The use of high
magnification oil immersion lenses is outlined and how to avoid
damaging either lens or the slide. Maurer’s DIY style can be seen
clearly in his description of how to make a needle for use in acarine
diagnosis, and also in his splendid homemade warming plate for the
production of slides. There is a very useful outline of the use and
calibration of an eyepiece graticule.
The book concludes with the tabulation of the various
magnifications needed for the microscopic examination of honey
BBKA News incorporating THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL June 2013
bee pests and diseases and also for the analysis of pollen grains.
There is a glossary of terms, a list of useful contact names and
addresses and also a list of books for further reading and study.
The book also draws attention to a joint initiative between
Bee Craft and Brunel Microscopes Ltd. called ‘Microbox’. Microbox
is a kit of various sundry items that are needed to make a start in
this fascinating part of the craft and science of bees and beekeeping.
Bob Maurer is clearly an enthusiast for microscopy in
beekeeping. He says:“Why not set up honey bee disease identity ‘clinics’
and microscopy classes for your association? Above all have fun and
enjoy the fascinating world of microscopy for beekeepers.”
The reviewer was given this book by a good friend with the
almost apologetic words: “I’m sure you’ll find this too simple and
basic”. Not so; this small book stands well in its own right, and as
the saying goes — ‘it does exactly what it says on the tin’.
Dr Stephen Palmer, FRGS FLS
39