Brion, I would like to submit a new answer to your question: "I don't know. Honey bee nutrition and the triggers for changes in bee physiology are complicated."

For the record, I was pointing out that different subspecies of honey bees are fundamentally different in their ability to withstand extended cold periods due to thousands of years of evolution. They obviously display a lot of phenotypic plasticity across their range in response to stressful environmental conditions. My line of thinking was if we look at the extreme limit of AHBs, it might give us an indication of where EHBs need to start using their evolutionary skills at surviving extended unfavourable conditions. 

It's kind of a weird and complicated point so I understand if it's not making much sense. 

Tracey
Alberta, Canada

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html