> it appears that the fluid mechanics undergirding this observation are
fairly sound
They are in considerable disagreement with those found by Southwick (
Allometric relations, metabolism and heat conductance in clusters of honey
bees at cool temperatures),
and if they were true, why would bees make the mistake of contracting the
mantle? Evolution typically selects against behaviors that are
counterproductive.
So there appears to be room for discussion and perhaps constructive
criticism.
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
530 277 4450
ScientificBeekeeping.com
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