What is a characteristic of Chalkbrood?

A characteristic of Chalkbrood is the presence of "mummies." Chalkbrood is a fungal disease caused by Ascosphaera apis that primarily affects bee larvae, particularly in the pupal stage. When infected, the larvae typically turn a white or light gray color and eventually dry out, becoming hard and mummified. These mummies can often be found in the brood area of the hive and serve as a visual sign of the disease's presence, allowing beekeepers to identify an outbreak.

The other options pertain to different aspects of bee health and diseases. Visible mites are associated with Varroa mite infestations, and the ropiness test is a method used to detect American foulbrood, which is a bacterial infection, not a fungal one like Chalkbrood. The pupal tongue is a term related to assessing other issues in pupae, but it is not specific to recognizing Chalkbrood. Therefore, the presence of mummies is the definitive characteristic linked specifically to Chalkbrood disease.