>>The reason that I feel that mites are involved (even at low levels) is that additional mite treatments appeared to prevent the crashes.

In a similar vein, there is an interesting article in the November 07 issue of the ABJ about the DWV, bees, and mites.  It appears, the crippled wings happen in bees that have the virus in the heads (as well as the thorax and abdomen).  If the virus is only present in the thorax and abdomen, the wings develop fine.

The virus is present in the mites - too bad it does not cripple the mites as it does the bees...

Waldemar

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