>but would they survive in sunlight and weather long enough to catch
another host?  I suspect that probability is low.

Personal observation replicated many times is that varroa once dislodged lie on their back and wait. In the absence of a new host passing by they can survive for several days. I see this in sugar samples brought back to count latter. As a trial I have seen vigorous activity of mites lying in wait for 72 hr at temp. of probably 75F and being able to attach to an introduced bee. The notion of floral transfer seems entirely possible and in fact probable to me. 

Randy's observation also demonstrates mites durability out side the hive. Also Bob's observation of a mite surviving a trans Atlantic flight most likely in a refrigerated condition. Is there really any question that extra hive transfer is common?

Paul Hosticka
Dayton WA  

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