Hello, Would someone please direct me towards information or research concerning allogrooming, where I can obtain a detailed description of allogrooming and other such behaviors that may be associated with allogrooming? Or bee labs having done research in this area that I may seek information? Thanks in advance! Been assessing and breeding from some of my colonies for a few years that were captured from the feral population. In breeding from my best performers, I like to look for traits that are ‘most prevalent’ in the out performers that may be contributing; e.g. high brood viability, hygienic abilities, and add the traits as part of my colony evaluation process. Due to the prevalence of allogrooming observed in the out performers, I am going to add this trait to my selection criteria. Interesting that some colonies exhibit intense allogrooming and some not so intense, some colonies exhibit allogrooming by solicitation and still others by non solicitation (seemingly by force), and still others initiate grooming by both means. I have noticed that the trait is easily passed on, so this indicates that there may be potential to intensify the prevalence of the trait even further. I have also observed that allogrooming in a colony does not seem to be associated with auttogrooming, so there seems much to consider in selecting for this trait. Best Wishes, Joe -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info ---