In a message dated 2/19/01 10:23:55 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< With the change in weather, your local
 area may be getting an earlier or more prolific bloom of plants that have
 toxic pollen. >>

  I have seen this happen with yellow jasmine, which the bees normally ignore
or only use to a very limited extent. Occasionally, in a year when there is
little other bloom available, and/or the jasmine has a heavy bloom, I see a
lot of bees working it, and the inevitable poisoning that follows. I have not
associated this so much with death of adult bees, though this may occur. I
have seen heavy losses of brood though. Emily makes a good point here.


Dave Green     SC  USA
The Pollination Home Page:  http://pollinator.com