Hello,

Would someone please direct me towards information or research concerning 
allogrooming, where I can obtain a detailed description of allogrooming 
and other such behaviors that may be associated with allogrooming?  Or bee 
labs having done research in this area that I may seek information?  
Thanks in advance!

Been assessing and breeding from some of my colonies for a few years that 
were captured from the feral population.  In breeding from my best 
performers, I like to look for traits that are ‘most prevalent’ in the out 
performers that may be contributing; e.g. high brood viability, hygienic 
abilities, and add the traits as part of my colony evaluation process.  
Due to the prevalence of allogrooming observed in the out performers, I am 
going to add this trait to my selection criteria.  

Interesting that some colonies exhibit intense allogrooming and some not 
so intense, some colonies exhibit allogrooming by solicitation and still 
others by non solicitation (seemingly by force), and still others initiate 
grooming by both means.   I have noticed that the trait is easily passed 
on, so this indicates that there may be potential to intensify the 
prevalence of the trait even further.  I have also observed that 
allogrooming in a colony does not seem to be associated with 
auttogrooming, so there seems much to consider in selecting for this 
trait. 

Best Wishes,
Joe

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