In message <[log in to unmask]>, Susan L. Nielsen <[log in to unmask]> writes >So, if cell size in feral hives is smaller, and if smaller cell size >inhibits reproduction of V. destructor, then feral hives should not >succumb to varroa pressure. Once in equilibrium - i.e. swarm from beekeepers colony produces comb a little smaller than its starting size; generations from this size produce further comb which is slightly smaller and so on to a natural size. Feral swarms start further along this process (which wouldn't take long - perhaps one or two seasons at most). This must have been the case for a high percentage of feral colonies before varroa (not all). So therefore many feral colonies should have survived if it were the *only* factor. Since they didn't, it cannot be the only factor. Enlighten me please. -- James Kilty