>>The Arnot Forest is no island and is hardly isolated.

Unless an area somehow managed to stay mite-free, isolation may not be desirable.  An influx of new genes into the local pool likely adds to hybrid vigor.  My collected colonies come from a wide area and interbreed with other beekeepers' and feral stock.  I believe this contributes to their vigor although I am not treatment-free (OA drip once a year).

Waldemar



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