From: randy oliver <[log in to unmask]>

>I'm finding that the Excel mite population model spreadsheet that I
described in my recent ABJ article is really helping me to understand mite
population dynamics, and the profound effects of such factors such as
grooming, SMR, and immigration.

Hi Randy,

One of the issues with the Seeley study is the (I think) simplistic comparison between the two groups...despite the two groups having different growth rates (and therefore sizes)...in the study, it was simply reduced to mites/bee...but something more complicated is going on...no mite reproduction at all for 2 or 3 weeks in the beginning of the HSC colonies, (probably) slower to build onto unused comb (keeping the brood nest more compact and smaller), etc.

Is your spreadsheet capable of looking at such variables?  I'd be interested to see what your model might show.

Thanks,

deknow

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