>Of interest, it does appear to work the other way around--bees selected for
VSH tend to exhibit better FKH.  Not surprising, since VSH appears to be
very much based upon the olfactory sensing by the nurses of pupae that are
not developing properly.


In this study, the findings indicate a stronger hygienic response to brood cells with two foundress mites. I think this supports an olfactory component is at play in detection.  But is it possible that it's a mite pheromone instead of defective pupae? 

>The bees uncap brood cells and remove larvae or pupae infested with one or two mites. The removal response of worker bees was stronger towards brood cells containing two mites than cells with one mite. 

>Boecking, O., Drescher, W. (1992) The removal response of Apis mellifera L. colonies to brood in
wax and plastic cells after artificial and natural infestation with Varroa jacobsoni Oud. and to
freeze-killed brood.

Bill Hesbach
Cheshire CT.   

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