In a message dated 30/04/2007 03:33:51 GMT Standard Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

Chris,  if it is post mortem, would you think the mite would be more likely 
to  fall thru the screen escaping damage?  Or is the damage said to be  
occurring by other insects scavenging or damage by the  beekeeper?



Dave Cushman was there too and may wish to come in and amplify what I  
recall.  My memory says that the damage - typically the groove in the  carapace that 
looks as if it might have been made by bee mandibles - would have  been made 
by cleaners disposing of mites that have died for other reasons.  However, I 
now recall that last year I was shown a few seconds of fuzzy digital  camera 
video  taken by Dr Rodger Dewhurst of an ambulant mite showing such  damage.
 
There seems to be a need for clarity that your projected project might  
produce.
 
Chris



   

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