>
> >Simply stated, its a wonder mites don't over-run colonies all of the
> time.  It appears that its a bit of a race - when bee populations really
> cranking out brood, tightly thermoregulating, etc. - they tend to outpace
> the mites - who if even the least bit slow, lose the race.


Beautifully stated Jerry.   It's all about the "r's"--the relative
intrinsic rates of increase for the two species.  By my calcs, they are
roughly the same when there is ample brood present--both the mite and bee
populations will roughly double each month (in non resistant bees).  Giving
either a slight edge makes all the difference in the world.

Your findings on brood thermoregulation are of great interest, and I hope
that you have time to publish them soon.


-- 
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com

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