In a message dated 16/12/2008 12:42:33 GMT Standard Time, [log in to unmask]  
writes:

<<Could they actually 'learn' to defend themselves?  Some  years ago I  did 
regular examinations of fallen mites from one hive  over a period of  months. 
I 
didn't just count the mites, I looked at  them through a x10  lens.  Over 
time the 
proportion of damaged :  undamaged mites increased  markedly.  From memory it 
started out  at about 10% and ended up at about  40%.

Has anybody else tried  this?

Chris>>


    There could be other reasons for this besides  learning. At the beginning 
of the season, the bees are going to be struggling to  manage a relatively 
large quantity of brood; once the broodnest starts  shrinking, there are likely 
to be a lot more available for other  activities.  

Regards,

Robert Brenchley
Birmingham  UK


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