> Evolution will solve this problem Peter.  I assure you. 

I am not looking for assurances, particularly regarding what evolution "will do." Ever heard of extinction? Most of the species that ever existed are gone. But what I was asking for is some evidence that there is even such a thing as "avirulent mites." None has been provided, only assurances. 

Most writing on the subject refers to Tom Seeley's Arnot Forest Bees and his suggestion that they may survive as a result of "avirulent mites." But it is only a suggestion. And there are other plausible explanations as to why feral colonies might survive in the Arnot Forest, which by the way is about a half hour drive from where I live.

One such factor is the dense forest and the wide dispersal of hives. This would certainly make it rare for bees to drift from one colony to another. Living in trees high off the ground may produce effects we know nothing about. In other words, the survival could be environmental or serendipitous. 

PLB

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