In a message dated 05/11/2006 21:13:59 GMT Standard Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

<<Could we actually be 
selecting against colonies with a high  degree of cleanliness, that tend to 
vigorously remove debris from the  colony instead of letting it fall to the  
floor?>>



    I find that this depends on the time of year. Bees  die overwinter, and 
are left until after misummer, when 'spare' bees are  presumably available for 
cleaning. Cleaning then takes place, and piles of body  parts appear under the 
mesh. It's worth adding that my strain overwinters in  quite small clusters, 
so no bees will be available for inessential tasks early  in the season.
 
    Regards,
 
    Robert Brenchley

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