From: RSBrenchley@aol.com
Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2001 16:51:07 EST
To: BiologicalBeekeeping@egroups.com
Subject: Re: A. m. m. and cell size

Beowulf Cooper (The Honeybees of the British Isles, BIBBA, 1986, p. 18)
lists 'genetically large size' as one of the characteristics of the British
bee. He recommends 700 cells per square decimeter (not sure what this
translates as) as a suitable foundation size for A. m. m. as opposed to 800
to 850 for Italians (pp20-21). If this is correct, then, firstly, the
foundation size currently in use may not be as 'unnatural' for A. m. m. as
for other races, regression to 4.9mm may be more difficult, and if bees are
forced to use it, it could result in an unnaturally small bee which could
lose some of its adaptive advantage in British conditions as a result.

It's noticeable that many of the black bees among my own hybrids are
slightly larger and more heavily built than their banded sisters, which may
support Cooper's contention. Has anyone any experience of this?

Regards,

Robert Brenchley

RSBrenchley@aol.com