Having read Dave Cushman's reply to Scot I find this information interesting, especially the source. It is an interesting article concerning the poor matings of queens and the possible natural reverting of the drones and queens down to smaller size. According to the article it seemed to of happened since the introduction of varroa. http://www.bbka.org.uk/news/news/bbka/queens-research-in-to-poor-mating.shtml Could this be further proof of the need of down sizing of bees for the control of varroa? But then this starts thoughts to another problem that is happening.......Since when does using small cell say, in USA mean AHB in given areas? Is it the wing vein or Scutts that were supposed to breed true? and where's the breeding true up here? and if the DNA is changing from so much small cell being around now,then the problem is disappearing as bees now become beter adjusted to handle the varroa problem. Not that life goes on.... Respectfully submitted, Dee A. Lusby Small cell commercial beekeeper Moyza, Arizona http://groups.yahoo.com/group/organicbeekeepers/ __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info ---