In message <[log in to unmask]>, crpost <[log in to unmask]> writes >One factor not seen in the discussion is the age of the comb. Older comb, >containing many pupal and larval debris, will effectively reduce the inside >dimensions on the cells and, as a result, the size of the bee. I came across an article a few years ago which did an experiment and came up with the conclusion that about 2% reduction is all you get over the years. That suggests the idea that cells get smaller is a myth. Presumably bees either ream the cells out or replace them as needed. Please will people who have measured many cells contribute on this. > The age of those >feral colonies that survive might be a factor. Younger established feral >colonies' cell size might not be small enough yet for them to resist. That is, >assuming cells size is a factor in varroa tolerance. Please note my "speculation" of a few postings ago that feral colonies *if* they are going to reduce cell size should do so extremely quickly as each new generation draws new comb. My own measurements show little reduction if any - many feral colonies show 57mm cells, the same as my foundation. I will continue to measure - and post the results if there is interest. This includes cut comb (from strips) wild comb in colonies on frames, wild comb from swarms and *old* comb from feral colonies cut out from their nest and tied into frames. -- James Kilty