> Researchers have been persistent in studying Russian bees since they were
first imported by Rinderer. Jose Villa, ARS entomologist, uncovered the
bees' secret in fighting off the tracheal mites. In addition, Villa and
Lilia De Guzman, another ARS entomologist, have confirmed that Russian bees
are well versed to survive cold weather. After studying bee colonies for
five winters in northeast Iowa, Villa and De Guzman found the Russian bees
are less likely than other bees to lose hive members as a result of harsh,
cold weather. Perhaps, according to Villa and De Guzman, this is because
Russian bees are more frugal with their winter food supplies. 

from "Russian bees resistant to parasitic mites"
by Amanda Davenport
www.brownfieldnetwork.com

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