Hi Bill,
Yes, unusual-looking, especially in a hive with low mite counts.
With VSH, it would be rare to see such a high proportion of pupae being
removed, as well as those dark spots.

The spots don't look like "normal" melanization.  With VSH, I normally
don't observe any melanization taking place--the pupae remain white until
completely removed.  This is opposed to regular hygienic removal of dying
pupae, in which case melanization is often observed in the
partially-removed carcasses.

And very odd for the signs to disappear without recurrence!  Now wondering
about it occurring in only the first generation of brood in a
newly-established hive.

-- 
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com

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