>Is the following true?  "all the mites instinctually enter the cells
simultaneously and are then trapped when the cell is capped. The single
larva isn't enough food for all the mites trapped within the cell and all
perish. "

Good question, Allen!

In general, Mel has a good point.  Any phoretic mites passing over a cell
containing a propupa would likely drop in.  Not sure about the "all mites"
part.

The foundress mites and their offspring then would compete at the same
feeding wound, to their detriment.  Few daughter mites would survive.

Since the bee pupa would likely not survive, all mites in that cell would
then be entombed below the capping with a decaying pupa.  Adult mites can
survive on dead pupae for some time, so whether they eventually get released
would depend upon the uncapping behavior (part of hygienic behavior) of that
particular colony.

I haven't seen any actual data on the method--anyone?

Randy Oliver

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