In message <[log in to unmask]>, "Dennis A. Meeks" <[log in to unmask]> writes >I read with interest the writings of Adrian Wenner and his findings >of collapse of colonies due to Varroa due to heavy infestations of >Chalkbrood. > Is there the possibility that the adult mite >makes it impossible for the bees to enter the cells due to increased >mass and therefore restricts normal cleaning behavior resulting in >Chalkbrood. My opinion is that this is unlikely. The Mites you see are very mobile and would probably move. The only ones 'attached' so to speak are the ones actually feeding and inserted between the abdomen's plates. Might (no pun ) be uncomfortable but would'nt increase size much. I think the thought by Janko Bozic is a better theory, that the increased personal grooming reduces cell cleaning. That could be tested so you need'nt rely on opinion :-). Dr Rodriguez suggests that with heavy infestations the mite may weaken the bee, or at least demoralise it and I agree this could be so but it has not yet been shown. I don't think much work has been done on this but the little done at Rothamstead (UK) indicated that quite a number of mites would not affect the bee's development (and by implication) its ability to perform. We also see that these secondary problems can arise before there is a large infestation and so before the bees would be weakened. I think the crucial aspect is the access the mite grants to other viral, bacterial or fungal agents. -- Dave Black Blacks Bee Gardens, Guildford, GU1 4RN. UK.