> Its not so much the length of the proboscus that makes the difference > but the diameter of the head. Good point, and one I have wondered about. In the smaller members of a normal commercial North American hive -- whether the small size is a result of genes, malnutrition, or of being raised in a small cell -- I have not observed a noticably smaller head or thorax. Is it documented anywhere that bees that are smaller than others of the same genetic make-up have smaller heads? allen Nothing travels faster than the speed of light with the possible exception of bad news, which obeys its own special laws. -- Douglas Adams, "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info ---