What does "mummies" refer to in the diagnosis of Chalkbrood?

In the context of Chalkbrood, "mummies" specifically refers to hardened, dried-up larvae that have been infected by the fungus Ascosphaera apis. This disease primarily affects bee brood, particularly in the larval stage. When larvae become infected, they cease feeding and eventually die, losing moisture in the process. The result is a desiccated, shriveled appearance combined with a hardened texture, akin to a mummy. This is a key indicator of the disease, allowing beekeepers to identify and diagnose Chalkbrood during hive inspections.

Other options, such as dead brood with no signs or empty hives, do not capture the specific characteristics associated with Chalkbrood. The presence of rope-like larvae formations does not accurately describe the condition of the mummified larvae affected by the disease either. Understanding these details is essential for effective management and treatment of Chalkbrood in a beekeeping context.