In a message dated 16/12/2008 12:42:33 GMT Standard Time, [log in to unmask]
writes:
<<Could they actually 'learn' to defend themselves? Some years ago I did
regular examinations of fallen mites from one hive over a period of months.
I
didn't just count the mites, I looked at them through a x10 lens. Over
time the
proportion of damaged : undamaged mites increased markedly. From memory it
started out at about 10% and ended up at about 40%.
Has anybody else tried this?
Chris>>
There could be other reasons for this besides learning. At the beginning
of the season, the bees are going to be struggling to manage a relatively
large quantity of brood; once the broodnest starts shrinking, there are likely
to be a lot more available for other activities.
Regards,
Robert Brenchley
Birmingham UK
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