Chris Slade <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

When colonies are widely separated as in the Arnot  forest 
>the mites have nowhere else to go so it is in their interest  not to 
exterminate 
>the host.  

Hello Chris,

I agree with that assessment, also resistance mechanisms on the bees part 
must be considered. 

In the past, it was stated that domestic colonies were being infested by 
varroa from the feral population thru absconding and drifting.  Now it 
appears,  to make Seeleys theory of vertical transmission causing mite 
avirulence work, ferals are now ‘since the turn of the century’ suddenly 
not absconding and drifting?
Perhaps the facts are being changed to fit the theory.
   
Boylan-Pett & Hoopingarner have recorded drifting between apiaries 600 
meters apart, absconding honeybees are known to travel several miles.  No 
telling how far disorientated varroa infested workers may end up.  Then we 
have drones to consider traveling between colonies, carrying mites, all 
horizontal transmission.  My mind is still open on this, but it appears 
there are allot of holes in the theory.  

And if I understand, Seeley used mites from an apiary and not said a 
avirulent mites from the feral population, to which I am eagerly looking 
forward to Jims explanation for this (as asked earlier).  

Best Wishes,

Joe Waggle ~ Derry, PA ‘Bees Gone Wild Apiaries' 
FeralBeeProject.com 
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/HistoricalHoneybeeArticles/

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