In message <[log in to unmask]>, "Dennis A. Meeks"
<[log in to unmask]> writes
>I read with interest the writings of Adrian Wenner and his findings
>of collapse of colonies due to Varroa due to heavy infestations of
>Chalkbrood.
 
> Is there the possibility that the adult mite
>makes it impossible for the bees to enter the cells due to increased
>mass and therefore restricts normal cleaning behavior resulting in
>Chalkbrood.
 
My opinion is that this is unlikely. The Mites you see are very mobile
and would probably move. The only ones 'attached' so to speak are the
ones actually feeding and inserted between the abdomen's plates. Might
(no pun ) be uncomfortable but would'nt increase size much. I think the
thought by Janko Bozic is a better theory, that the increased personal
grooming reduces cell cleaning. That could be tested so you need'nt rely
on opinion :-). Dr Rodriguez suggests that with heavy infestations the
mite may weaken the bee, or at least demoralise it and I agree this
could be so but it has not yet been shown. I don't think much work has
been done on this but the little done at Rothamstead (UK) indicated that
quite a number of mites would not affect the bee's development (and by
implication) its ability to perform.  We also see that these secondary
problems can arise before there is a large infestation and so before the
bees would be weakened. I think the crucial aspect is the access the
mite grants to other viral, bacterial or fungal agents.
--
Dave Black
Blacks Bee Gardens,
Guildford, GU1 4RN.  UK.