To my suggestion
>> What about absconding from varroa riddled colonies, with a dwindled
>> workforce?
Peter Edwards asked
>Would they abscond as a swarm, or just disperse?  Could these just be mating
>swarms where queens are superseding?
I have had mated queens in very small swarms. One came to a cottage
chimney recently, and taken to my home by the owner (lent a bee suit and
nuc and with d.i.y. instructions to smoke out) barely covered 2 14"x8"
frames. Autumn (fall) is a good time for this absconding on account of
varroa numbers and parallels the starvation absconding occasionally
reported.
--
James Kilty

-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and  other info ---