From: "Dave Cushman" <dave.cushman@lineone.net>
Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 11:48:15 -0000
To: <BiologicalBeekeeping@egroups.com>
Subject: Re: A. m. m. and cell size

Hi All

----- Original Message -----
From: John Sewell <lucindajohn@sewellhome.freeserve.co.uk>

> > 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.

As I remember it Beo established that AMM had a propensity to adopt a wider
range of body sizes than other races of bee. The idea that AMM was
'genetically large in size' was his own, this idea was supported by some and
not supported by others. I will have a list of those that performed the
trials in a few days time then some of you "search engine ferrets"
will be able to see if any info is on the web from these other trialists. (I
do not think any of them that I know about so far was computer literate at
the time of the trials).

> Why did Cooper settle on the enlarged size?

Higher honey yield was the objective

> There was patently quite extensive experimentation.

The experiment finally met its end about 20 years ago among many acrimonious
and bitter exchanges. All I can say about this is that I can find out more
and will do so as and when I get the opportunity.

> I find it difficult to believe this man would have settled on a choice
that
> was particularly localised.

I do not think Beo would have found such localisation to be an impediment in
making his choice.

> Cooper says that colonies may be difficult to get to draw the larger
> foundation, but once on the larger comb settle down.

I see increasing and decreasing cellsize & beesize merely as the two oposite
sides of the same coin. I think that all the factors discussed under
"regression" apply equally and oppositely if we try to increase cellsize.

> HE NEVER STATES THE
> ADVANTAGES OF THIS LARGE SIZE. Several people have mentioned to me that
the
> 'English Black' Bee was larger than Italians. Older texts I've consulted
all
> list '5 to the inch' as worker cells. Unfortunately imprecise.

I feel that the reported "large size" of AMM either stems from Beo's work or
similar work that was done in Belgium in 1930s. And is a manifestation of
the plasticity of AMM rather than an actual large size.

Beo Cooper also used to talk about colonies of black bees that were smaller
in body size, I had some of these bees myself and liked them immensly.
Unfortunately they were just one of several oddities and I did not propagate
their line. (they were just another winter loss when they died)

There is much more to come on this aspect of discussion. The last trialist
left alive has ordered a computer that will arrive a week next tuesday, it
will take hime some time to get up to speed but I will encourage him to join
this discussion and give the details "first hand".

Best Regards Dave Cushman