In message <[log in to unmask]>, Graham Law <[log in to unmask]> writes >the smarter plan would be to keep >several virgins alive until one is successfully mated. Apparently at least one of the tropical stingless bees (Melipona I think) keeps several virgins which are not time-limited like apis mellifera (and all other apis?). This is another interesting limitation which we might think not helpful in the long term. Trouble is, evolution often optimises over a large number of variables and over wide variations in climates and environments. Can we really manage to conceptualise everything? -- James Kilty :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::