>
> >expecting a less virulent form of varroa is unrealistic for just the
> reason sited.


I'm in agreement.  A less virulent strain of varroa would be immediately
outcompeted by any virulent strains ("virulence" being reproductive
success) in any area in which a high density of honey bee colonies is
artificially maintained (by beekeepers).

>I also believe that the change in behavior would occur in evolutionary
time on both sides and not the 25 +/- years varroa has been with us here.

Recent research in other species has put that misconception to
rest--"evolutionary time" can be a matter of only a few generations of the
species, provided that there is a change in the niche(s), and either
physical or behavioral reproductive isolation.

As far as varroa, the *A,m. scutellata *population apparently evolved a
strong degree of resistance to varroa in about 6 years.

Unfortunately, in North America, such reproductive isolation is often
difficult to achieve, due to the widespread movement of hives and packages.

-- 
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com

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