"Assuming that 'local' means that the bees more or less stay at the same location?"

Yes, that is what I mean.  I *think* (no science validation here) that bees allowed to stay put over time in one place do best in that place...at least here in THIS place.  Other climates, other conditions may differ.  But here in the Northeast USA, where there are 4 seasons, bees that overwinter well and can adapt to local bloom periods do better than any other designer bee, IMO, maybe because they "know the neighborhood".  And as I've heard Mike Palmer say...if your bees don't survive the winter, what difference does it make if they are the best honey gatherers, the best at resisting Varroa, or if they are shown to be good at anything else?  If winter kills them, they aren't right for your area.


Christina


             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html