In a message dated 23/12/2006 04:40:44 GMT Standard Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

<<Because beekeepers are now seeing survivor Italians tending to  be darker.  
Does this suggest that the feral Italians are leading the  recovery in this 
race?  IF it were a domestic honeybee led recovery,  wouldn't one expect the 
yellow Italian types to be noticed as the  survivors?>>



What sort of climate do you have? Being in the UK  I'm no good at US 
conditions. There have been numerous anecdotal reports here  over the years about 
strains getting darker with time; for instance, I remember  reading somewhere that 
UK bees got darker during World War II, when of course  imports were 
impossible. I've always assumed the likelihood of selection against  at least some of 
the inherited characteristics. What could be going on in your  area?
 
    Regards,
 
    Robert Brenchley

-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and  other info ---