----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob & Liz" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, June 01, 2001 10:17 PM
Subject: Russian Carniolan
Hello,

I would like to share my additional observations of the Russian lines. I
have used the Russian breeders whose progeny were mated to my own local
hygienic stock. As noted in my previous post they were very resistant to the
varroa mite. However, I had problems with tracheal mites in the Russian
crosses this last winter loosing 50% of those hives. I have not treated for
tracheal mites in my own lines.

First generation crosses showed some hive defensiveness but were easily
controlled with smoke. Second generation Russians were very feisty requiring
frequent use of smoke. They would intercept me around 75 feet from the bee
yard and rapidly and repeatedly head butt me without stinging.

In the bee yard they would run through the hair on my arms and go through
the motions of stinging without actually stinging. They had a keen interest
in human breath often investigating it from 10' away, behaving somewhat like
what I have read about the stingless bees from South America.

If the hives were disturbed without smoke, the bluffing and head butting
turned instantly to stinging with the bees following 75 to 100 feet.

Needless to say I have replaced all my Russian queens. Within a week of
replacing the queens, hive temperament changed. The interception and
following occurred only inside the bee yard. Hives could be opened with
normal smoke use.

Best Wishes
Dennis Murrell