> Strong grooming traits may be more beneficial than hygienic behavior.

I agree and my good friend Dann Purvis and I have discussed the issue. The 
problem is finding those bees .

You see the most mite grooming in hives with heavy varroa infestation and 
most the evidence is found as varroa parts on a sticky board .

Dann suggested most hives increase grooming as varroa infestation rises.

I personally do not know of a breeder using grooming traits when deciding on 
a breeder queen. Most (including myself) test for hygienic behavior (which 
is easy).

I would think (opinion only) that one would have to push a group of hives 
far over threshold and then rescue your breeder queen from the hive doing 
the most grooming. All hives would be lost I would imagine.

Carolyn's observations show that mellifera can open cells and attempt 
removal of varroa but I think is not common.

bob 

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