Hi All
 
On this thread it was mentioned that feral populations of AHB in some
areas have shown some parasitism by varroa despite the fact that they
should have smaller cells.
 
I think the gist of things here is that africanisation results in
progressively smaller cells over time. The first fronts of
africanized bees have intermediate size ofspring and as time
progresses the cell size eventually is supposed to stabilize at about
4.9.
 
In much of the feral US population a high degree of europen geneflow
into the african population could be expected due to frequent
requeening. As a result many bees that are africanized are probably
not completely africanized, and will have cells which are large
enough that varroa can get a hold. (big cells = longer brood cycles =
build up of varroa in worker cells)
 
I would be interested to hear if anybody has found references to the
use of 4.8mm cell sizes? This is the lowest limit known for
A.mellifera.capensis I believe. (Approximately the size of certain of
my bees)
 
Keep well
 
GArth
---
Garth Cambray       Camdini Apiaries
15 Park Road        Apis melifera capensis
Grahamstown         800mm annual precipitation
6139
Eastern Cape
South Africa               Phone 27-0461-311663
 
On holiday for a few months     Rhodes University
Which means: working with bees 15 hours a day!
Interests: Fliis and bees
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this post in no way
reflect those of Rhodes University.