> On observing the almost total loss of healthy colonies in this area, this > fall, (SW Virginia, USA) (untreated) I wonder what Varroa does normally > with it's host: since a dead hive means the end of that Varroa population > as well. Our honeybee is not the normal host for varroa, and negotiations for symbiosis have not yet been completed. In its normal host, there is a balance and both seem to prosper. > Might we see selection for Varroa that over-winter in temperate > climates independently from their host, as well as for > honey bees that tolerate Varroa infestation? Although the former is *perhaps* possible, the latter is far more likely. Accompanying this (latter) adjustment by honeybees, we would expect to see an adaptation on the part of the varroa, where strains are fairly quickly selected that are not lethal, and in fact allow adapted strains of honeybee to prosper. Varroa's destruction of the competition in the form of non adapted honeybee strains, could be regarded as a benefit to the surviving bee strains. However, this adaptation to mites might well come at the expense of some characteristics that we consider desirable in bees. One factor that affects and perhaps prevents the adaption process is the interference by mankind by means of mite management techniques. These attempts skew the process and may well slow the process by destroying the less harmful strains of varroa and encouraging the hardiest varroa to survive.while at the same time encouraging continuation of susceptible (weak) strains of honeybees. This is exactly the opposite of the process nature uses to accomplish adjustment between the species. Of course, non of us are likely to sit by and watch our thousands of hives dwindle to the tiny number (which could be zero) that can resist the current varroa, so that we can rebuilt from that tiny remnant of adapted colonies. Unfortunately any attempts by feral bees to adapt, are likely to be swamped by the large numbers of domesticated drones in most areas that will support bees - drones from pampered and protected stock. FWIW, It is entirely possible that - rather than prohibiting imports - we should be importing varroa mites and bees from areas where honeybees have been exposed to varroa for some long time with minimal interference by man in hopes of finding and introducing a less lethal strain of mite and a more resistant type of bee. Unthinkable? Season's Greeting to all. Regards Allen W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper VE6CFK RR#1, Swalwell, Alberta Canada T0M 1Y0 Internet:[log in to unmask] Honey. Bees, Art, & Futures <http://www.cuug.ab.ca:8001/~dicka>