The enzyme spectrum of an ectoparasitic mite of the honeybee,Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman) was studied usinga semi-quantitative method, especially designed for complex samples which havenot been purified. Exopeptidases and phosphatases are shown present. Achitinaseand enzymes able to transform carbohydrates are also present with a largerange in the intensity of the reaction. The role of the chitinase can berelatedto the supply of nutritional needs or/and the piercing and sucking behaviour ofthe adult parasite. Chitinase activity could be one factor influencing thebalance between the parasite and its host.