--- Carl & Virginia Webb <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

I wonder if "small
> cell" is more nearly approaching the size of Apis
> Cerane drone cells. If this is the case it could
> account for the preference of varroa for the smaller
> cell size.

We have to be careful with using the word
‘preference’, conserving these types of studies.

As far as I am aware, the test did not ‘give the
varroa a choice’ by providing varying sizes of worker
cells within the ‘same colony‘, therefore we cannot
say that ‘varroa prefer smaller cells’,
unless the choice of varying cell sizes is made
available to the mite.  Even if mite counts were
higher in small cell colony worker brood,  you cannot
make the statement if there be a lack of choice.

Although a great philosopher once said; “If you choose
not to decide, you still have made a choice,” it
perhaps cannot be applicable to a mite study lacking
choice. 

Best Wishes,
Joe


      ____________________________________________________________________________________
Never miss a thing.  Make Yahoo your home page. 
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

****************************************************
* General Information About BEE-L is available at: *
* http://www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/default.htm   *
****************************************************