> > This suggests that, compared to the Western honeybee that has a longer
> history of domestication, selection on the Asiatic honeybee has favored the
> generation of more variable antimicrobial peptides as protection against
> pathogens.
>
An alternative hypothesis is that A cerana has long been exposed to the
varroa mite, which opens feeding wounds by which bacteria gain entry to the
bees' haemolymph.  I would expect A cerana to require more antibacterial
peptides than A mellifera for that reason alone.

I also question A cerana's lack of propolis--can someone on the List with
experience with A cerana confirm.  I have one report from an observer who
says that there is resinous substance near the colony entrances.

Randy Oliver

             ***********************************************
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