Joel wrote: I too have observed this phenomenon in New World Carniolans, Buckfasts and Italians. Reply: This is good you seeing this and is what we have been following for more than 6 plus years now. Joel also wrote: The pictures I have seen posted and my own observations only involve worker brood. Reply: Yes, this is true for the most part, but it is easy to trigger chewing out of drone brood also. Joel further wrote: If indeed this is the bees attempt to control varroa, and if varroa is more attracted to the drone brood, then why are we not observing the bees chewing out the drone brood more that the worker brood? Reply: After more then 6 years watching IMPOV there is a time and a place for this like everything else. We are currently in deep discussion on this at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/biologicalbeekeeping as others are seeing the same thing in their bees. Further since anyone can trigger the phenomona with their OWN bees it is being explained how on the BioBee list. Unfortunately, the key trigger is natural range small cell size comb and culling of drones to 10% levels on anyone frame when working colonies back up, which in practice actually stimulates their active raising all year long Joel additionally wrote: Has anyone observed the same phenomenon concerning drone brood to the same extent as worker brood? Reply: Bee colonies do not work drone brood the same priority as workerbrood as mite cycles fluxuate up and down throughout the active year. Regards, Dee A. Lusby, Commercial Beekeeper(non-mirgatory) Tucson Arizona, USA [log in to unmask] http://groups.yahoo.com/group/biologicalbeekeeping http://www.beesource.com/pov/lusby/ __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get email alerts & NEW webcam video instant messaging with Yahoo! Messenger http://im.yahoo.com