A Happy May Day to All:

Does anyone know if research modeled, underway, or completed is being
directed toward "hive cleaning" behaviors associated with SHB larvae, i.e.
the capture and carrying out of the hive SHB larvae?  Such behavior
currently exists, I have observed it in hives containing the SHB but it
seems to be effective only in strong hives.  This behavior was observed
among my Italian honeybees.  I am curious to know if this trait is
expressed amongst the Russians; if so, what is the comparison with
Italians and others? Is it stronger, weaker, no significant change?

This same expressed trait and behavior is used to remove wax moth larvae
and other �ginvaders�h from the hive and again is effective with wax moth
larvae only in strong hives, although it does exist in weaker hives but
with negative overall results- the wax moths usually win.

If anyone has witnessed such behavior, Russian bees removing SHB larvae, I
would be interested in these observations as well those with other
honeybees, SMR, Minnesota Hygienic, etc...

Regards,

Chuck Norton
Reidsville, NC

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