Hi Allen

> Is there a concise definition of "regressed bees"?
>

I am sure that you and many do not need to have anyone explain the definition of regress or regression but you did ask for a concise definition of "regressed bees". I will try to explain it as I see it. Others may see it quit different.

First the definition of regress as it may apply.
regress;
returning to a former state, go back to a previous state, or The act of passing back; passage back; return; retrogression

Regression as it may apply.
regression;
returning to a former state or The act of passing back or returning

As the definition of these two words imply and taking note that bees were altered in size (bigger) by mechanical means (using different cell sizes), with genetics, and possibly fed artificial feeds (Sugar syrups and pollen substitutes), to regress bees is to have them use a smaller worker comb size to produce brood, breed a bee for local conditions and cell size preferred, and allow the bees to feed on stores they themselves brought in by naturally foraging plants and flowers. To regress bees is to retrogress bees to their natural normal state before beekeepers altered their state.

This is only my interpretation of "regress bees".

> if such a definition involves forcing bees to build on small cell
> foundation

Bees can be allowed to build comb as they see fit.

> how can TBH bees be "regressed"
>

By letting the bees draw comb as they see fit.

> is "regressed" a permanent state?  Huh?
>

No, beekeepers can alter them back to the altered state again as was done in the past and is still being done today.

Even I am trying to alter my line of bee to better withstand the conditions I keep bees in, which of course is my local conditions. 

 . ..   Keith Malone, Chugiak, Alaska USA, http://www.cer.org/,
c(((([ , Apiarian, http://takeoff.to/alaskahoney/,
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/akbeekeepers/ ,
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Norlandbeekeepers/ ,
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ApiarianBreedersGuild/

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