...i wonder. i've been reading about fungus problems with frogs (and other amphibians) that seems to be very widely spread. i don't buy at face value the contention that this is a "proof of global warming", but there may be some long term fungus cycles, or other factors as well. deknow -- Jerry Bromenshenk <[log in to unmask]> wrote: Dennis is looking at a soil fungus -- and I might buy that if this collapse was in a specific climatic zone, time of year. The grasshoppers I worked with years ago had a high attrition rate of nymphs when molting occurred in wet weather. But again, we've got all regions, all times of year, different soil types, etc. And, as you say, frames tend to get covered with fungus/mold in spring. So fungi in gut may/may not mean anything. Jerry -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info -- - -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info ---