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My guess would be that is present more often, or better presented, in some UK specimens than others. Are there any indications of patterns in this respect?

I can believe that: its more the soft ground that might worry me. Some well-placed ply will I guess fix that. However, messing about at height is inherently dangerous, period. Doing it while in a disorientating suit makes it much worse. Unless you are well practiced (I used to be) I would...

"The Galápagos finches are often touted as a great example of an adaptive radiation, showing how new species can arise through evolutionary processes. A new article in Nature by Galápagos finch researchers Peter and Rosemary Grant, “Speciation undone,” confirms what we we’ve said here in the...

I'd be much more comfortable messing about up there with a reliable human steadying at the bottom

If I may, I think the context is what happens in evolutionary terms on an each-generational basis, and what happens in evolutionary terms once in a blue moon, is something rather different. Carrying observations from the one to the other probably doesn't work in this case. In 20 million years...

You don't really believe that do you.

It an interesting observation. The key must be in 'intensive', the more intensive, the greater the loss. I guess sacrifices of general fitness for production traits is always sought. You don't need to run cow, stop putting on muscle and bone and just make milk sort of thing. In bees I...

So that is... letting co-evolution play out. Its happened in the naturally resistant bees you've started with, and you are, alongside your selection methods, allowing it to continue would you say? I'm hesitant about encouraging particular traits -but then I'm quite well down the line of live...

They can fly straight to a cavity they've had sussed out for weeks. I don't know how common this is, but in evolutionary terms it has to be a better bet making a choice before leaving. You often see them sussing out bait hives and I often get false alarm calls from house owners. Why make a...

Steve do you think you can even get to that stage without letting bee-mite co-evolution play out?

I've never known the law. Its never ever been an issue or come up. Be polite and friendly and reasonable, and aware that the worst that can happen is that you'll fall off a ladder. But crossing their field in pursuit of a swarm isn't going to upset them - as long as you are being reasonable...

If its in a cavity wall its never going to do anything but fall/run harmlessly or set, unless bees, and/or ants find another way in. Waxmoth have likely turned all to gunk already. Make a hole near the bottom large enough for ants but too small for bees and the chances are they'll clear it...

If its one of my swarms I'll follow it across fields without a thought. The worst that can happen is a farmer appearing and asking you to leave, but if you explain pleasantly (if quickly) 99% of time they'll agree. Even if they didn't I'd probably carry on and argue later if they wanted to...

They are large modern commercial orchards, and not mine. I will add to my thoughts above: I've yet to make stands thrive longterm in or very close to plum orchards, and that's despite being on the right side of the prevailing wind.

I agree with all that. Its not easy to set this out... but... If/where bees gain no benefit from adapting to varroa, they won't adapt. The required behaviours take time and energy (not much, but evolution is very into fine-tuning - waste can be a matter of life or death). So what are the...

Do you have a large and high enough chimney? A good draw generally keeps air moving into the stove rather than out. Another thing is burning it hot. That keeps the chimney warm and functioning well, and you get a better burn and sweeter smelling fumes. Stoves set to sulk will often puff tarry...

Is 275 Deg C. Enough for a woodstove? Just curious really.

No, literally.

You don't say which, if any, were treated in this time. Without that information I can't do anything I can't see what your thinking is here. First, thanks for introducing the concept of levels of resistance. Leaving that 'so' off (because I don't have access to your foregoing rationale) ... I...

Most of my bees are parked in orchards. I've noticed that those in close proximity to the rows, particularly downwind, don't do as well as those with a little more distance. But we are only talking 30 feet or so. I think those that are actually repeatedly hit by spray suffer, but otherwise are...