>>In Joe's case, I am not clear what the issue is. He states that there 
is a separate distinct feral population that can be readily 
distinguished from run-of-the-mill >commercial stock but he doesn't say 
how,

Hello PLB

I have been describing these ferals on this 
list for almost 10 years now, as the 
'Wild Italian' type.

They are pictured here:
Glenn Apiaries:
http://www.glenn-apiaries.com/genetics.html

These characteristics, combined with
observations of the habitat the bees
were found in, interviews with homeowners,
and other simple investigative techniques,
may or may not lead one to the conclusion
that the bees are true ferals of several generations.

Best wishes,
Joe Waggle

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