Waggle writes; >>>So even during pre varrroa times, the breeding pool of smaller celled ferals was being diluted year after year by the constant influx of non acclimatized large cell types.<<< I don't think the data support your view. I seem to recall a study done, I think out of USDA Tucson or Weslaco, which studied the feral population. I think it was based on or included DNA and found that the feral populations were fairly distinct from managed colonies. I almost would say it was in ABJ and predated the arrival of AHB. I think they were establishing a data base for later use with AHB and it may have concerned only the southwest border area. I seem to recall that the feral MtDNA was largely Iberian in origin. Is there someone out there with a better memory than me? Rip -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info ---