Hi all,

I've been lurking here for a few weeks, reading all the posts on the
survival and "return" of feral bees, and Yoon's and other attempts to be
chemical free.
I have a theory on this, of course, I have no proof just My Humble Option,
so please be kind in your response.

These feral bees seem to be acquiring (thru natural selection in their fight
against mites, beetles, ect) some of the traits that their cousins in Africa
have.
The African bee has been living with the mites and beetles for a lot longer
then our North American/European bees.  The Africa bee has developed some
survival strategies to help it deal with its African environment.
Could these feral colonies here in North America be developing the same
survival techniques?
I read the article, like Dick Allen referred to, in July's Bee Culture.  I
believe the feral bees have developed the survival trait, like their African
cousins, of frequent and easily triggered absconding.
This would not make them very good in a langstrom hive. But by leaving a
home full of 'pests' and moving to a new home to start over again would keep
the species alive, it might be something we (as beekeepers) should ponder.
IMHO, so be kind!

Don
Mohegan Lake, NY

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