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From: "huestis" <buzzybee@capital.net> Hi all, Have now started four colonies in the regression process. Wedmore states that the carniolan bee is a larger bee. In comparing cell size between italian and italian/ hybrid and carniolan colonies two of each) the carniolan have gone to the larger size (5.0mm) and italians (4.95mm). What variations between races cell size should be tolerated? I am assuming each race will have its own cell size that is best based on their traditional characteristics. Also micro climate will play an important role here (I'm in Adirondack Mountains of NY). To large a cell size and one loses thermoregulation in winter and disease control abilities. Yet some races tend to be slightly larger than others. Will colonies that naturally are larger bee (carniolan) lose any more control for thermoregulation and diseases and mite control if this is there natural tendency (to be slightly larger)? Compare that to those who are naturally smaller (italian and others), Would they both be on equal footing even though the slight difference in cell size? Clay- hoping this makes sense to some! |