> "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>
> 
> This behavior is of some benefit to the swarms where most of the
> mites will stay behind in the capped cells of the swarm-source
> colonies.  

Don't forget the colonies that swarmed will have 3-4 weeks without 
laying queen until virgin is mated. During this time many mites will 
die and no new produced. Wouldn't surprise me if the parent colony is 
the one that loose most mites due to swarming. Mites only have flying 
field bees to live on for some time.

-- 
Regards

P-O Gustafsson, Sweden
http://beeman.se

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