Allen Dick wrote: They hatch and mate > before the bee is ready to hatch. So the mating is definitely sister/brother. Does this pass the all, every, and any test? I think not. Two unrelated varroa mothers could conceivably wind up in the same cell. allen Yep. I've seen many examples of multiple invasion of cells by maternal mites, which must allow for cross fertilisation between the progeny. Max Dr Max Watkins Vita (Europe) Limited Tel 44 (0) 1256 473177 Brook House, Alençon Link, Fax 44 (0) 1256 473179 Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 7RD, UK