> While there is quite obviously a lot of overlap and interbreeding,  there is also distinction,  depending on breeder and local.

So, you two are arguing the same basic thing from opposite sides of the table. All that Pete is saying is that the gene pool has become a hybrid of the euro species. To both of your points, depending on the breeder, the characteristics (phenotypes) of the bees are being selected for, which get you back to the stereotypical behaviors of the "races" being bred (eg, Italians: early buildup, large colony sizes, high honey production, high use of stores, etc). And Pete suggests that those breeding for the characteristics of say, Italians, are also often breeding for that color (lighter vs darker bees for carnis). So that they look like traditional Italians, and act like traditional Italians, but they don't have the genotype of traditional Italians. They're pulled from the current gene pool, which is a mix.

S
Skillman, NJ

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