In a message dated 21/01/2008 04:11:31 GMT Standard Time,  [log in to unmask] 
writes:

I should  rephrase somewhat: are there Russian queen producers out there who 
will  *guarantee* that I will find bitten mites on sticky boards after 
installing  their queens?




I though that was normal!  I have Amm mongrels in the UK. A proportion  of 
the fallen mites always shows dents in the carapace that look mandible  sized.  
I have monitored the proportion and found it increased over  time.  If this 
doesn't occur in some strains of bee then it suggests that  it really is damage 
by bees and not, for example, dehydration of an already dead  mite.
 
Chris



   

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