> Interesting statement - I cannot recall seeing deformed wings before > varroa arrived. The amount damaged at any particular stage is usually relatively small, and the time window for spotting the results is usually quite brief. How long do you suppose bees with damaged wings survive in a healthy hive? Moreover if/when they leave, they crawl as far as they can, so the opportunity to see them may be brief, unless we are into our hives daily, causing and observing damage. Add to that the fact that what we observe tends to be quite highly dependant on what we wish to see, we expect to see, or are told we should see. Granted, varroa has increased the problem of visible and continuing visible damage, but beekeepers routinely shake small larvae out of position, dry out or kill frames of larvae with sunlight during inspection, and otherwise damage brood without being at all aware. allen At the present rate of progress, it is almost impossible to imagine any technical feat that cannot be achieved - if it can be achieved at all - within the next few hundred years. -- Arthur C. Clarke, 1983 -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info ---