Actually I think this one is easy to explain.  The reduction in mites froma
brood break comes from the overwhelming of the first larve after the break.
In warmer times (spring-fall)  the phoretic mites  all looking for a place
to lay cause 2-3 mites each in the first larve.


OK but I saw 2-3 mites in drones next to pupae with no mites at all.  So this does not convince me that the mites will suffer, or else they wouldn't gang up on some pupae when 'empties' are available.  In contrast, they may sexually select a "better" strain for the location of the new package by overwhelming certain pupae, and subsequently be even more virulent...hence the problem later in the next winter or next season.


Christina

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html