Rick
Wing "inflation" is one of the last acts before emergence. I think when the nuc
was prepared, the capped brood was distributed over an area greater than the
adult bees could keep warm. Some of the nearly emerged bees may have died of
chilling, others were affected enough to prevent their wings from becoming
inflated. I've seen the same thing with queens when they emerge from a cell
separated from a little cluster.
 
As long as the nuc is otherwise healthy, the dying bees don't signify any long
term problem.
 
As you mentioned, Varroa can also affect wing formation. I have heard this
results from the mite feeding at the site of the developing wing tissue.
 
 
Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist
B.C. Ministry of Agriculture
1201 103 Ave
Dawson Creek B.C.
        V1G 4J2  CANADA          Tel (604) 784-2225     fax (604) 784-2299
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