Dave Cushman, I need some advice please, Was reading a study that mentioned there were five possible quantitative trait loci that effects drone size, and a possible 4 QTLs that affected worker size. My colonies are set in at about 5.0 mm and seem to not want to draw smaller than that. Kimsey 1982 writes "wing length is linearly correlated with body size". So I'm looking to use wing length measurements as a possible tool in assessing which colonies have genetic potential to seat in at a smaller size. I'm wondering if the fore-wing would be the one to measure here. Wondering also if you observed any other morphological characteristics in smaller bees I can use to help determine the 'actual' bee size? Are wings measured with a projection slide screen or under a microscope and what magnification? I would also like to get started up with Morphometry. Could you please advise what tools I need to get started? Also looking to start FABIS testing next spring as a part of my swarm collecting procedures. I need to learn this FABIS technique because I collect many swarms to integrate into my Apiaries. Is the FABIS method available on your site? They are drawing up some kind if 'AHB plan' here in PA, and this would put me ahead of the curve here. The pest company I collect swarms for is getting a bit antsy about the possibility of AHB and we are considering including FABIS testing in the swarm collecting fee. Best wishes, Joe Waggle ~ Derry, PA Small Cell Beekeeping ‘Bees Gone Wild Apiaries' http://www.biologicalbeekeeping.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Organicbeekeepers/ __________________________________ Yahoo! Music Unlimited Access over 1 million songs. Try it free. http://music.yahoo.com/unlimited/ -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info ---