Possibly due to movement of bees by priests between monasteries (after first
importation into Mexico regions in 1500's or so). As you might imagine, they
tend to have more of those in the southwest than here in the upper
southeast, and the priests did import bees to Latin America due to inferior
wax from the native bees (from the stingless bee, if I remember correctly).
However, if you say there were no honey bees in AZ until the 1850's - Dee's
theories are even less credible.

I also believe the small cell is just a coincidental factor in her bee's
resistance.  However, if the "relative ease" part were entirely true, why
bother with expensive inbred SMR queens -- just sign me up for a few queens
from that study that lived 6 years with no treatment.


-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Borst

There is no evidence whatsoever that the Spanish brought bees into the
Southwest US at all. ...Why, therefore, would there be "remnants of Spanish
bees" there, more
than anywhere else?

... means is: varroa resistant/tolerant bees can be found in
*any* population of bees. No special bees (Spanish remnants) or
special manipulations (small cell foundation) are required.