John Volpe wrote: > How do colonies minimize inbreeding depression generated by this kin selection? I do not have any 'scientific' data, but I do remember reading in more than one place that queens normally fly further from their hive to mate than do drones. This would eliminate or minimize inbreeding, provided that there were a variety of genetic backgrounds in the area. - - - - - - - - - - - - "Test everything. Hold on to the good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21) Tom Elliott Eagle River, Alaska U.S.A. [log in to unmask]