From LISTSERV@UACSC2.ALBANY.EDU Sun Oct 2 14:58:34 1994 Date: Sun, 2 Oct 1994 16:46:34 -0400 From: BITNET list server at ALBNYVM1 To: Allen Dick Subject: File: "BEE-L LOG9306" ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 31 May 1993 13:15:31 +0000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jean-Marie Van Dyck Subject: Re: bumblebees From: DOUG 'SPEAKER-TO-INSECTS' YANEGA Subject: RE: bumblebees > > There is a lot of "secrets" in bumblebees rearing (business?). > > Good Luck. Regards. Jean-Marie > > Gee, am I the only person who finds that restricting the exchange of > biological information due to profit-making considerations is just a > *bit* disheartening? What's next? Patents on rearing techniques? > Royalties when people use a bee that you've conducted research on for > pollination? Doesn't seem much like science any more when the primary > hypothesis being tested is how much profit one can achieve. When I saw "secrets", I was thinking some knacks to do rearing, hibernating and waking up with bumblebees mother-queens ... When a commercial pollination company has caught some ... it keeps them to maintain the profit of its investments (with or without patents) ! My first opinion was to exclude all the scientists which, it is well known, publish their whole finds. But you know there is some silents (deliberate or not) and publications it is impossible to do again by missing the "sleight of hand" you need to be successful. This paragraph is quite not directed to the scientists doing rearing and hibernating bumblebees neither honey bees. Of course. Cheers. Jean-Marie ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jean-Marie Van Dyck Fax +32 81 72 42 72 B.P. 102 email : jmvandyck@cc.fundp.ac.be B-5000 NAMUR(Belgium) Medical school - Biochemistry dept ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 1 Jun 1993 14:03:53 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Malcolm (Tom) Sanford, Florida Extension Apiculturist" Subject: Can anyone help with Hellmich's email address? From: IN%"genebee@sol.fmrp.usp.br" 1-JUN-1993 13:05:23.37 To: IN%"mts@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu" CC: Subj: Return-path: Return-path: genebee@sol.fmrp.usp.br Received: from fox.cce.usp.br (143.107.70.1) by gnv.ifas.ufl.edu (PMDF #3240 ) id <01GYV5FN4UF490MW4L@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu>; Tue, 1 Jun 1993 13:05:02 EST Received: from sol.fmrp.usp.br by fox.cce.usp.br (CONVEX-C120/5.64/CCE-2.0) id AA09952 Received: by sol.fmrp.usp.br (INTERPRO-220/5.61/FMRP-1.0) id AA00795 Date: 01 Jun 1993 14:03:49 -0600 From: genebee@sol.fmrp.usp.br (Genetica-Abelhas FMRP_USP) To: mts@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu Message-id: <9306012003.AA00795@sol.fmrp.usp.br> Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Posted-Date: Tue, 1 Jun 93 14:03:49 -0600 Received-Date: Tue, 1 Jun 93 14:03:49 -0600 To: Tom Sanford From: Pedro Ramos Duay Tom Sanford: Do you have a BITNET or INTERNET address for HELLMICH? Thanks. Pedro Ramos Duay Mexican student of David De Jong ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Tom Sanford Extension Apiculturist University of Florida Mailing Address: Bldg 970, Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611-0620 Voice phone 904/392-1801, Ext. 143 FAX 904/392-0190 INTERNET: MTS@GNV.IFAS.UFL.EDU BITNET: MTS@IFASGNV +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 2 Jun 1993 09:28:00 GMT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Guy M Poppy Subject: bee products and open day There is a Czech visiting worker in our group at the moment who is interested in honey bee products. He is interested in hearing from anybody who is keen to collaborate with him on the use of these products for cosmetics or medicine. He is particularly interested in venom, propolis and royal jelly. Anyone who wishes to contact him may do so via my e-mail address. His name is Dr Karel Mondspiegel. This years IBRA open day will be held here at Rothamsted where we are celebrating our 150th Anniversary. It includes demonstrations on the bee work at Rothamsted (Ingrid Williams, Brenda Ball, Andrew Ferguson etc) and occurs on Sat 26th June. If you are interested in attending, contact me for further details. Guy Poppy ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 2 Jun 1993 07:01:53 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: ESOUTHWI@ACSPR1.ACS.BROCKPORT.EDU Subject: change in address ================================================================== | Edward E. Southwick Department of Biology | | Lab: 716-395-5743 State University of New York | | Voice Mail: 716-395-2193 Brockport, New York 14420 | | FAX: 716-395-2416 U.S.A. | | Internet: e.southwi@ACSpr1.ACS.Brockport.edu | ================================================================== ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 2 Jun 1993 10:11:41 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: ESOUTHWI@ACSPR1.ACS.BROCKPORT.EDU Subject: New mailing list for social insect research Now there is a new list for those who desire to deal with research on social insects. This new list is NOT intended for bee chit-chat and chit-chatters will be asked to cease and desist! The new list is: SocInsct@Albany.edu Please join us for interesting discussion on social insect research. . . SOCINSCT on LISTSERV@ALBANY or listserv@albany.edu Social Insect Biology Research SOCINSCT is dedicated to communication among investigators active in the discipline of social insect biology. It is restricted to discussions of research at the university level. Eusocial insects (bees, wasps, ants and termites) are the main interest but information to be shared could include any area of sociobiology, or solitary bees and wasps. Such areas could include orientation, navigation, adaptation/selection/evolution, superorgan- ism concept, behavior, physiology and biochemistry, pheromones, flight and energetics, taxonomy and systematics, ecology, genetics, pollination and nectar/pollen biology. Announcements of meetings and professional opportunities, requests for research help, sharing of literature references, sharing research topics and discussion of ideas are welcome. To subscribe to SOCINSCT, send a message or mail to LISTSERV@ALBANY or to listserv@albany.edu with text SUB SOCINSCT your full name in the BODY. Owner: Erik Seielstad erik@acspr1.acs.brockport.edu ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 2 Jun 1993 10:41:33 -0400 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: stephen j clark Subject: Re: New mailing list for social insect research > To subscribe to SOCINSCT, send a message or mail to LISTSERV@ALBANY > or to listserv@albany.edu with text > SUB SOCINSCT your full name > in the BODY. > This didn't work for me: I was told there was no such node as albany.edu. The following command, however, worked fine: send listserv@ALBNYVM1.BITNET sub socinsct Firstname I. Lastname Cheers, Stephen Clark Vassar College ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 3 Jun 1993 22:16:30 -0300 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Brooke M. Oland" Subject: Bombus range Greetings: I am considering a project involving the analysis, for environmental toxins, of pollen collected by bees. I keep honey bees and will probably use them to some extent in part of the project, but I am interested in utilizing other pollen collectors which might have a more limited or a least reduced range. Recently I have been trying to establish bumble-bee colonies from queens [Bombus impatiens] with some limited success. I have had some difficulty in finding literature dealing with Bombus sp. range (size, shape, effect of topography etc.). Can anyone give me any suggestions on this topic - or if not - on range determination and how it is carried out. Thank you. Sincerely yours, Brooke Oland N.S.A.C., Truro, N.S. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 4 Jun 1993 00:00:00 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: di5 Subject: Re: Bombus range In-Reply-To: <9306040117.AA08135@umailsrv0.UMD.EDU> I think there is not much known, at least in comparison to honeybees and some other bee species, about the foraging ranges of Bombus colonies. If I were trying to measure foraging range I'd tag or somehow mark all the workers in a colony, and then spend many hours looking at bees on flowers in the vicinity of the hive. David Inouye Rocky Mtn. Biological Laboratory di5@umail.umd.edu ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 4 Jun 1993 07:40:27 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "La Reine de la Cite' des Phoques (Liz Day)" Subject: Re: Bombus range . ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 4 Jun 1993 09:01:00 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Kerry Clark 784-2225 fax (604) 784 2299" Subject: Re: bombus range Another way to record foraging range is to mark foragers where they are foraging, then observe at the nest and note which marks appear. Norm Gary attached little iron discs to a bee's thorax (at the foraging location) and placed a good magnet at the nest entrance. The magnet snagged the marked bees who then wriggled off the disc. It saved having to observe (and catch) bees at the entrance. Of course now you might do it with bar codes. (Since Norm's work, I ran into a system used for tracking salmon, which might be adapted. A fine wire (probably stainless steel, maybe not magnetic) has a sequence of lines on it like a bar code. A piece 2 or 3 mm long is embedded in the nose cartilage of young salmon (5 cm). Years later, the piece can be recovered from adult fish (metal detector then cut the piece of head in half and check again) and info gathered about the migration route, growth etc. Anyway, these little pieces of wire could easily be carried by a bee. good hunting Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist B.C. Ministry of Agriculture 1201 103 Ave Dawson Creek B.C. V1G 4J2 CANADA Tel (604) 784-2225 fax (604) 784-2299 INTERNET KCLARK@GALAXY.GOV.BC.CA ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 4 Jun 1993 13:58:00 CST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Terry Dahms Subject: May issue of the 'Buzz' - Iowa beekeepers newsletter File item: BUZZ0593.TXT 6/4/93 1:46PM 28503 Summitted by Terry Dahms President-East Central Iowa Beekeepers ----------------------------------------------------------------- THE BUZZ MAY, 1993 ----------------------------------------------------------------- A newsletter published monthly as a cooperative effort by The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and The Iowa Honey Producers Association (IHPA), an affiliate member of the Iowa Horticultural Society. Copy deadline is the 20th of each month. Your ideas, comments and letters are welcomed and encouraged. EDITOR: Bob Cox, State Apiarist, Iowa Dept. of Agriculture, Wallace Building, Des Monies, IA. 50319 phone: (515) 281-5736 IHPA MEMBERSHIP: Membership dues in the Iowa Honey Producers Assn. are $5.00/year. Send to Robert Shepherd, IHPA Treasurer. ----------------------------------------------------------------- IN THE BEEYARD May and June are the heavy swarm months. The bees have been collecting stores of pollen and honey to help the queen produce a strong colony. One method of determining if some colonies are raising swarm cells (not 100% foolproof) is to break the two hive bodies apart. Look on the bottom of the combs for the swarm cells. These can be seen, as they are large, peanut-shaped cells. Scrape these cells off and replace the hive bodies. At this time you may want to reverse the top and bottom hive bodies, if the bottom hive body has some unused combs. If the colony is filled with bees, brood and stores, some frames of brood need to be removed or supers added to provide the colony with space. There is no perfect method for swarm control. If we learn more about the habits of this insect we do have a better chance of preventing swarming. On a different subject, what would you do differently if you were to start beekeeping again? In answering this question, "If you can't remember the past then you are going to repeat it". You who have kept bees for awhile can be a real aid to those who are just starting. You may not have all the answers but know a lot about mistakes. This can be a help to others. Procedures of beekeeping can be written down step by step, but nothing can be more effective than doing the procedures or seeing them executed by a master beekeeper. Location of bee yards, putting in packages, equalizing brood for making up new colonies, finding an old queen and introduction of a new queen are beekeeping procedures this time of year that you can help others get off to a better start in beekeeping. Remember your mistakes so you can help others avoid them. -Robert L. Wells, Asst. State Apiarist HONEY OF A VERSE For the lips of an immoral woman drip Honey and her mouth smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lay hold of hell. (Prov. 5:3-5) CAN BEES HEAR (from APIS , Florida newsletter) An intriguing article in the local paper (Gainesville Sun, December 31, 1992) recently described experiments by Dr. William Towne at Kutzdown University in Pennsylvania. He has proven that bees can hear. Although the scientific proof may be Dr. Towne's, beekeepers always figured bees could hear based on the practice of "tanging," making a loud clanging noise which was thought to make swarms stop and cluster. This notion has now been discredited by most authorities, but the tradition no doubt continues. According to Dr. Towne, bees were considered deaf because they were only tested with loud sounds which produced high pressures. Yes, people could hear them, but honey bees don't hear like humans. Whereas we have a pressure sensitive membrane (ear drum) which is stretched over a closed cavity, the honey bee relies on particle movement. Thus, they hear things only in the near field, very close to the source. Dr. Towne and a colleague in Germany (Wolfgang Kirchner) trained bees to come to a two-sided sugar-water feeder based on tones emitted from a speaker. When the frequencies were the same (250 cycles per second) as the bee's famed waggle dance, about B below middle C on the piano, the insects consistently responded. According to Dr. Towne, bees clearly can tell the lowest sounds from the highest; they also distinguish mid-range tones from higher and lower ones. The next step is to search for the honey bee's ear. In this quest, Dr. Towne has taken to applying drops of glue to various honey bee structures. The glue does not hurt the bees. This attempt to "deafen" bees has met with variable results, and for Dr. Towne, the question has become more and more intriguing. He concludes: "I guess I'll have to train a few more bees to find out for sure..." HAWKEYE SCIENCE FAIR WINNERS The IHPA gives an award to the best science projects dealing with honey or beekeeping at the Hawkeye Science Fair each year. David Tull and Bob Cox judged the projects Friday, March 27th and there were six projects that had something to do with honey or beeswax. The following two projects stood out as the best: 1. Suzy Gilman's "Fat Facts". A comparison was made of the levels of fat and cholesterol in 10 different kinds of crackers. Honey Maid honey grahams had the lowest amount on a per weight basis. Three age groups were asked which type of crackers they thought was the lowest in fat and cholesterol. People in the age group 26-40 years were the most accurate in assessing the fat and cholesterol levels in the crackers and named the honey graham crackers more often. 2. Kristen Toll's "Browning of Apples". Kristen used different substances to retard the browning of cut apples. Lemon Juice and Fruit Fresh retarded browning the best, but in one experiment vegetable oil or honey worked the best. Additionally, she found that the Golden delicious apples did not brown as fast after cutting as the Red delicious apples. STATE APIARISTS REPORT It's finally Spring! It is time to make the best of what bees you have left after the rough winter. This time of colony preparation for the main nectar flow will slip away before you know it. I had a one-week delay in my beekeeping plans come up last week. And he is a 9 pound - 2 ounce baby boy named Matthew Noah born April 22nd. That is number six and he is a real blessing to our family. P.T.L.! The bee bill was passed by the legislature and signed by the governor and will become effective July 1, 1993. Most of the changes were technical, however some changes were significant. If you would like a copy of the new law contact our office. Loads of package bees transported into the state, other than through the U.S. Postal Service, will be required to be accompanied by an Iowa Entry Permit. The procedure will be the same as for colonies, nucs or used equipment entering the state. This change was made because packages bees can carry parasitic mites and pose a significant threat in spreading the mites around. We are hoping to have four seasonal bee inspectors again this season starting in late June or the first of July. Bob Wells and I will be available to inspect apiaries anytime now, weather permitting. Call (515) 281-5736 to request inspection. When inspecting apiaries this season a 3 1/2 inch diameter green and white sticker will be affixed to a colony in each apiary inspected. On this sticker the date inspected and inspector's initials will appear. We will continue to send you a copy of the full inspection report. If American Foulbrood or Varroa mites are detected this will also be indicated on the sticker. This change was made at the request of several beekeepers in Iowa. When you call into the office now you will not talk to Jean Van Houweling any longer because she has transferred to the State Patrol. Susan Holmes is working as secretary part-time in the afternoon most days. IHPA SPRING FIELD DAY Saturday, May 22nd the IHPA Spring Field Day will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Ray Tull Farm 2 miles west of Donnellson, Iowa. Bring your own personal beekeeping gear (hat, veil, etc.) as this will be a hands-on experience in the beeyard. Queen management will be the theme. Procedures and topics to be demonstrated will be: 1. Queen rearing equipment needed. 2. Natural supersedure process. 3. Grafting larvae to produce queens. 4. The Jenter System for queen rearing. 5. Finding the Old Queen. 6. Breeder characteristics of Drone mother colonies and Breeder Queen colonies. DIRECTIONS: From U.S. 218 turn west at Donnellson on Iowa Hwy. 2 and go west 2 miles. Turn left (south) and go 1 mile; turn left (east) again and go 1/4 mile to Ray Tull Farm on the left (north) side of the road. Follow the signs from Iowa Hwy. 2. HONEY BOARD SEEKS ENTRIES FOR BEST HONEY PRODUCT CONTEST The National Honey Board is seeking entries for its Second Annual Best Honey-Containing Product Contest. The contest will be held on June 22, 1993 at the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade Fancy Food Show. Winners will receive a trip for two to the July 1993 National Institute of Food Technologists Convention in Chicago or a cash prize. Specialty and gourmet food manufacturers are invited to enter their best honey-containing products in the competition. Products from any food category will be accepted, although honey should be a primary sweetener and entries must contain at least three ingredients. To enter, contestants should send their name, company, address and telephone number along with a sample of their product to: National Honey Board Best Honey-Containing Product Contest c/o TJP Market Development 3242 Jones Court N.W. Washington, D.C. 20007 Entries must be submitted by May 31, 1993. Individuals who would like more information about the contest, should call the National Honey Board's Honey Hotline at (800) 356-5941. THE EAST-CENTRAL IOWA BEEKEEPING ASSOCIATION MEETING Are you a beekeeper? Or are you beginning beekeeping? Get new ideas, swap stories, get help with problems, hang out with other beekeepers. Even if you are an intermediate or more experienced beekeeper, you may wish you had a way to share this interesting hobby. The East-Central Iowa Beekeeping Association meets quarterly to share ideas and share enthusiasm for our unusual and challenging pastime. Next meeting June 14, 7 to 9 p.m.. Montgomery Hall-lower level, Johnson County 4-H fairgrounds, Riverside Dr/Hwy 218 South of the airport and Colonial Lanes, Iowa City. PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS NOT CONCERNED ABOUT AHB In a rebuttal to a December 1992 ABJ article criticizing the Texas plan to deal with Africanized Bees, Dr. Thomas Betz contends that AHBs do not pose a public health threat. The following is a quote from the rebuttal by Dr. Betz which appeared in the April 1993 American Bee Journal: I find no reason to modify our conclusions that the AHB will have minimal public health consequences for the citizens of this state and the southern United States, that it will not overwhelm our present medical care delivery or emergency medical systems, and, as in other countries, will integrate itself into our biome without wreaking havoc upon it. It was left for others with more expertise to pass judgment on the potential agricultural and beekeeping industry effects of the AHB on Texas, and these form the primary focus for the Texas Africanized Honey Bee Managment Plan. HONEY QUEEN REPORT Since last November at the Iowa Honey Producers Annual Meeting a big change has taken place in this Honey Queen's life. In January, at the American Beekeeping Federation Meeting, I was chosen as the 1993 American Honey Princess. During this year, I will be traveling throughout the United States as a honey spokesperson, representing the industry. So far, my responsibilities have allowed me to visit Colorado and Florida. In March, I went to Colorado to receive public relations and media training from the National Honey Board. This training was very beneficial in preparing me for media interviews and the tasks I will have to perform this year. In April, I spent five days in Florida, working with the Central Florida Beekeepers, at the Lake County Fair. While there, I had interviews with radio stations, gave cooking demonstrations, and worked in their honey booth. Since I'm still at Messiah College, in Grantham, Pennsylvania, I'm also promoting in this area. I'm going to be giving a honeybee presentation to grade-school children, at La Casa de Amistad, a Spanish after-school program. I've also convinced the school lunch room to hold a Honey Day in the cafeteria, where honey will be used as an ingredient in the food served the students. I'll be returning home for the summer on May 11, and am looking forward to promoting in my own area and state of Iowa. If anyone would like assistance of any kind in promoting this year, I would be more than willing to help in any way I can. There are so many possibilities for promotion: in store promotions, cooking demonstrations, school presentations, media interviews, appearances at fairs, garden-club presentations....anything! If you would like me to help you promote, you can contact me at (319) 256-6921, or Charlotte Randall at (904) 669-8604. By working together, we can promote the honey industry and give it the recognition it deserves! See you soon! Heather Pomeroy, 1993 American Honey Princess NEW IHPA HONEY COOKBOOK Paul Goossen is still looking for 40 or 50 more recipes to go in the new Iowa Honey Producers Association Honey Cookbook. You will be given credit for the recipes you send in and there will be only a limited number printed so that we can sell these in a short period of time. For details read the article in the April BUZZ. Using a separate sheet of paper for each, please type or print your recipes, keeping in mind any of the following eight categories: Appetizers and beverages Breads and Rolls Soups, Salads & Vegetables Pies, Pastry & Desserts Main Dishes & Casseroles Cakes, Cookies & Candy Meat, Poultry & Seafood This & That 1. First list all the ingredients. 2. Then give the directions for making the recipe. 3. Be sure to include your name at the bottom. Send your favorite honey recipes to Paul F. Goossen, RR 5, Box 198, Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641. ENCAPSULATED HONEY Have you ever dropped a packet or cube of sugar in your tea and thought: "Gosh, I wish honey was so convenient." Wishful thinking is about to become reality. Banner Gelatin Products Corp. Los Angeles, Ca. has revolutionized food manufacturing technology developed for the pharmaceutical industry and applying it to food products. Banner has made it possible to put liquids such as honey into small, edible gelatin balls. Drop one in your tea and the gelatin dissolves, releasing its sweet golden contents in an instant. While encapsulation technology is not completely new, encapsulated honey is a new application for this process. Although no company currently is marketing such honey balls, the concept shows great potential. In a 1990 consumer study, an estimated 33 percent of households claimed they are using honey as a sweetener. Just imagine the increase in consumption if the remaining 67 percent began substituting sugar cubes and packets with honey balls! According to Banner Gelatin Products Corp., honey can be encapsulated in 11 kinds of shapes with sizes ranging from the head of a pin to a golfball. Even "teddy bear" shapes are possible. Encapsulating honey is not an easy process. Special equipment and know-how are necessary to produce a high quality product. Banner notes that it is still in an experimental stage and there are some technical constraints that need to be worked out. For best results with encapsulation, the liquid must contain no more than 10 percent moisture and have relative humidity (R.H.) lower than 50 percent. While honey does not have these exact specifications, it is close enough to be encapsulated. According to Clara Lejade, Vice President of marketing for Banner, "Honey encapsulating needs a little more research to extend the shelf life to one year or more, but it is feasible and we are working on it." Using natural humectants, such as glycerine, factors that affect gelatin shelf life can be controlled. Another possibility is to encapsulate creamed honey in which crystallization has entrapped the available water. Honey packaged in a precise, microwaveable, edible shell may be very attractive to food processors. From muffins with real honey filled centers to confectionery filling and granola bars, this idea of incorporating a solid ingredient which contains a sweet liquid is an exciting concept. It won't be long before breakfast will include bear-shaped honey capsules that automatically dissolve and sweeten the cereal when heated....We can't wait! (From the National Honey Board) FOR SALE: Deep Supers @ $2-$5 6 5/8 Supers @ $7.50 T.E. Linkletter 1304 Johnson Dr. Shenandoah, IA 51601 (712) 246-2517 LOOKING FOR THE QUEEN by Gene Killion of Illinois Finding the queen in even one small colony of bees seems an insurmountable task to many people. Some people have owned hives for two or more years and have never again found the queen after seeing her as they installed the package. Even many commercial beekeepers neglect to requeen their colonies regularly in hope of saving labor costs. As the Africanized honey bee expands in the United States, frequent requeening will probably become a necessity. Finding queens and requeening will be a routine responsibility for each person owning colonies of honey bees......A queen is much easier to locate if one knows the basic procedures and clues to follow while searching for her. Suppose you plan to look for the queen in your colonies. Pick the morning hours of a warm, sunny day while the majority of the field bees are actively foraging. You will need one or two extra bottom boards. If your colonies are situated in rows, begin working the end colony of the front row. Complete this row of hives before proceeding to the row behind. Working the entire front row first enables the colonies to settle back to normal without interference of the smoke and movement. You will also be working away from any colonies that have become aggressive. When you are ready to open the colony, place an extra bottom board on the ground to the rear of the hive but on the same side where you are standing while opening the hive. Give a few puffs of cool smoke at the entrance, then a light puff at the inner cover hole as you remove the outer cover. Lay the top cover to the side, leaving the inner cover in place. Next insert your hive tool between the upper and lower hive bodies at the front corner of the hive and pry them apart, giving a few puffs of smoke between the hive bodies. Place the upper hive body gently on the extra bottom board. You will work the colony in a kneeling position. Work the top part of the hive first. While removing the inner cover, look at the bees crawling on the underside. The queen may occasionally be found here. Use smoke sparingly as you look because too much smoke may cause the queen to move to the inner walls or down on the bottom board. Do not let excessive smoke drift from your smoker across the frames while you are looking for the queen. Drifting smoke induces the bees to start running. Gently pry and lift out the frame next to the outer wall of the hive body, at the same time scanning the exposed side from left to right and right to left. If the colony is in good condition the frame will be heavy with honey. Hold the frame out at about three-quarters arm length and at a slight 45 degree angle for the best viewing. Reverse the frame by twisting it between the forefingers and thumbs to expose the opposite side. The frame will be inverted while viewing this side. If the queen is not present, lean the frame beside the hive body, preferably in the shade. Remove the next frame in the same manner, using a minimum of smoke. After the first frame is removed, there will be space to remove each additional frame and return it to the box. (To be continued next month. Come to the IHPA Spring Field Day May 22 at Donnellson for hands-on experience looking for the queen.) 1993 BID SHEET FOR HONEY TO BE SOLD AT THE IOWA STATE FAIR SALES BOOTH Bid on any or all items (state quantity you will supply and bid price) 8 oz. jars--light honey_________________________________________ 1 lb. jars--light honey_________________________________________ 1 lb. jars combination--light honey (liquid & comb together)__________________________________ 2 lb. jars--light honey_________________________________________ 5 lb. jars--light honey_________________________________________ Gallons--light honey____________________________________________ Antique jars--4 oz._____________________________________________ 1 lb._____________________________________________ 12 oz. bears--light honey_______________________________________ 2 lb. bears--light honey________________________________________ 1 lb. skep--light honey_________________________________________ Creamed honey--Regular__________________________________________ Cinnamon_________________________________________ Hard Candy--Multiple flavors____________________________________ Honey Stix--(Honey in plastic straws)___________________________ Beeswax bars-(1 oz.), (1.5 oz.), or (1 lb.)_____________________ Beeswax candles--dipped or poured_______________________________ Beeswax-other items_____________________________________________ Cut Comb Honey__________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Note: We need a substantial supply of cut comb honey in plastic boxes and section comb honey. This item is usually in short supply and thus bidding doesn't make sense. We will pay $1.90 per unit. Please inform us if you can supply comb _honey._________________________________________________________ Honey from all suppliers must be 1993 crop Iowa Honey with 18.5% or less moisture content and excellent overall quality. Winning bids will be based on price, quality and ability to provide required quantity of product when needed. Suppliers will be provided labels at no cost. Bids must be received by June 10, 1993. Please sign the bid sheet and provide address and phone numbers. NAME ADDRESS PHONE ( ) RETURN TO: W. John Johnson RR 4, Squaw Valley Ames, Iowa 50010 (515) 232-6094 FOR SALE: 1000 deep boxes with drawn comb, 6 boxes of Dadant wired deep foundation and 4 boxes of comb honey foundation. Contact: Mark Gress, Avoca, Iowa Phone (712) 343-2719 FOR SALE: 20 packages of 30 Miticur strips each. $25 @ plus shipping. Call Ann Garber at (515) 872-2119 ***************************************************************** DADANT BEE SUPPLY DEALER specializing in providing supplies for the hobbyist and small sideline beekeeper. AUTUMN APIARIES, INC. - GORDON & BEVERLY POWELL 4012 - 54TH STREET DES MOINES, IA. 50310 PHONE (515) 278-1762 ***************************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 7 Jun 1993 08:07:45 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Richard Spear Subject: Re: bumblebees In-Reply-To: <01GYPKUR76028Y626T@HAMLET.CALTECH.EDU> On Fri, 28 May 1993, DOUG 'SPEAKER-TO-INSECTS' YANEGA wrote: > > There is a lot of "secrets" in bumblebees rearing (business?). > > Good Luck. Regards. Jean-Marie > > Gee, am I the only person who finds that restricting the exchange of > biological information due to profit-making considerations is just a > *bit* disheartening? What's next? Patents on rearing techniques? > Royalties when people use a bee that you've conducted research on for > pollination? Doesn't seem much like science any more when the primary > hypothesis being tested is how much profit one can achieve. :-( > -------(please include "DY" in subj header of mail to this user)-------- > Doug "Speaker-To-Insects" Yanega "UT!" Bitnet: KUENTO@UKANVAX > My card: 0 The Fool (Snow Museum, Univ. of KS, Lawrence, KS 66045) > "Ev-ry-bo-dy loves the Michigan RAAAAaaaaag!" - The Singing Frog boy doug, if *this* depresses you, don't take a close look at human genetic research -- i'd hate to lose you ! richard rspear@sookit.jpl.nasa.gov all disclaimers apply ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 8 Jun 1993 09:53:32 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Ron Grimard DDP Augusta Subject: A source for frame foundation in New England Dear Folks, I am looking for a company or supplier of hive foundation in the New England area if possible to purchase supplies from. If anyone that subscribes to BEE-L has a mailing address I would appreciate it. I generally purchase hive supplies from the Southern States but would like to establish a supplier locally as well. Ron Grimard State of Maine where its getting close to the "Swam Season" ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 8 Jun 1993 17:54:17 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Adam Finkelstein Subject: Re: A source for frame foundation in New England In-Reply-To: from "Ron Grimard DDP Augusta" at Jun 8, 93 09:53:32 am In E-Mail recently Ron Grimard DDP Augusta wrote, > > Dear Folks, I am looking for a company or supplier of hive > foundation in the New England area if possible to purchase > > Ron Grimard > State of Maine where its getting close to the "Swam Season" > Hey Ron, try Carl Hausknecht, Mgr. Dadant & Sons 136 Rt. 17C(East) P.O. Box 267 Waverly, NY 14892 607-565-2860 Dadant usually has a list of local suppliers, as well as a board where dealers and beekeepers advertise stuff. Adam Finkelstein VDACS Apiary Inspector 116 Reservoir St. Harrisonburg, VA 22801 703-433-1006 adamf@virginia.edu ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 8 Jun 1993 21:28:12 -0400 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Dale Guilford Subject: Re: A source for frame foundation in Ron, You may want to get a catolog from "The Walter T. Kelley Co.,P.O. Box 240, Clarkson, KY 42726-0240 Tel. 502-242-2012 Fax 502-242-4801. They have very competitive pricing, excellent service, and about everything you need for supplies. Have you considered any of the plastic foundations? I have used "Plasticel" for brood foundition with good results. DaleG@delphi.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 8 Jun 1993 21:57:51 -0400 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Michael Moroney Subject: Re: A source for frame foundation in New England Ron, Try Bee Supply Co. Breakneck Hill Rd. Southboro, Mass. He sells mostly Dadant stuff. If you want/need a more complete address, write me. -Mike ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 9 Jun 1993 01:21:40 -0400 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Michael Moroney Subject: What are my bees up to? In one of my hives I keep seeing what I think are queen cells started - cells curving down and looking like an acorn. But they are smooth and none have had larva in them. None are completed and it seems they tear them down and build them elsewhere. At first they appeared at the middle of the comb but now they appear along the bottom. This was a package so it seems unlikely they want to swarm. Also what is the purpose of the "communication holes" in Duragilt foundation? My bees seem more than happy to fill them with comb, often using them as an excuse to build drone comb. -Mike ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 9 Jun 1993 01:11:29 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jeffrey Young Subject: Back into Beekeeping After a decade of very limited exposure to beekeeping I am finally getting back into it. I have a single hive I will be locating in my backyard in a quite neighborhood in a small town in central Massachusetts. I am looking for a contact with a local bee keepers assn. and would welcome attending any meetings or classes in the Worcester/Framinham/Westboro Massachusetts area. Any leads or telephone numbers would be appreciated. The queen of my current hive is a direct decendant of the original Italian I received with my hive over ten years ago. My father (who had been watching the hive until he became physically unable to) thinks that they swarmed 5 years ago and since the current queen is unmarked this is probaly the case. The temperment of the workers seem okay. Should I be considering replacing her with another queen or should everything be alright? What can a small beekeeper do to help keep carpenter ants from getting in the stand and supers? I have seen special paints and dips in the catalogs but these are rather expensive and seem to only be sold in mass qualtity. Plus I am hesitant to start playing chemical warfare with the insect world. I have never harvested the produced honey, opting to leave it in the hive, and will be most likely be getting an extractor and associated equipment later this season to start bottling what the hive produces. Would anyone have a suggestion what I should be looking for and staying away from as far as extractors, decappers, filters, etc.? What is the current preferred method of removing the workers from a queen excluded honey supers? How about preventative methods I should be taking, if any, for Mites and other parasites & possible infections? Anything I should be concious of with a backyard hive? (neighborhood dogs, neighbors, hive location, etc.)? I know I ask LOTS of questions but I am trying to get up to speed and have a ways to go. Thanks in advance for all the help, jeff ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 9 Jun 1993 01:11:29 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jeffrey Young Subject: Back into Beekeeping Forwarded to: smtp@magnolia@servers[BEE-L@ALBNYVM1.bitnet] cc: Comments by: Jeffrey Young@SQA@Banyan Comments: I am sorry. I failed to provide my internet address: Jeffrey Young jyoung@banyan.com -------------------------- [Original Message] ------------------------- After a decade of very limited exposure to beekeeping I am finally getting back into it. I have a single hive I will be locating in my backyard in a quite neighborhood in a small town in central Massachusetts. I am looking for a contact with a local bee keepers assn. and would welcome attending any meetings or classes in the Worcester/Framinham/Westboro Massachusetts area. Any leads or telephone numbers would be appreciated. The queen of my current hive is a direct decendant of the original Italian I received with my hive over ten years ago. My father (who had been watching the hive until he became physically unable to) thinks that they swarmed 5 years ago and since the current queen is unmarked this is probaly the case. The temperment of the workers seem okay. Should I be considering replacing her with another queen or should everything be alright? What can a small beekeeper do to help keep carpenter ants from getting in the stand and supers? I have seen special paints and dips in the catalogs but these are rather expensive and seem to only be sold in mass qualtity. Plus I am hesitant to start playing chemical warfare with the insect world. I have never harvested the produced honey, opting to leave it in the hive, and will be most likely be getting an extractor and associated equipment later this season to start bottling what the hive produces. Would anyone have a suggestion what I should be looking for and staying away from as far as extractors, decappers, filters, etc.? What is the current preferred method of removing the workers from a queen excluded honey supers? How about preventative methods I should be taking, if any, for Mites and other parasites & possible infections? Anything I should be concious of with a backyard hive? (neighborhood dogs, neighbors, hive location, etc.)? I know I ask LOTS of questions but I am trying to get up to speed and have a ways to go. Thanks in advance for all the help, jeff ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 9 Jun 1993 11:25:54 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Aaron Morris Subject: Verbose answer to BEEKEEPING questions (not biology!) What a lot of questions! Standard answer: Get a good book and join a local beekeepers association. A good book that covers most of the bases is "First Lessons in BeeKeeping" available in paperback from Dadant and Sons for under $7! Can't beat the price and it's very informative with good pictures and illustrations. For a beekeepers association, contact your area cooperative extension for information for possible groups near you. Now: Michael Moroney (moroney@WORLD.STD.COM) queries about queen cells that have been built, torn down, rebuilt, none with larva, ... It is common for bees to do this and is not a cause for concern. A few queen cells in the middle of the frames are usually supersedure cells, whereas more numerous cells on the bottom of the frames are indicative of an inclination to prepare to swarm, but again, if the cells are being built and torn down and have no larva in them, there is little cause for concern. Practice good swarm prevention techniques (strong young queen and plenty of room) and there is even less cause for concern. You need not worry until the cells contain larvae or worse, are capped (the larva has pupated). Holes in Duraguilt are there to allow the bees to use as tunnels to travel between individual frames. No one ever told this to my bees and they tended to fill the holes up as you described. IMHO, Duraguilt is not worth the extra expense and I don't know of any beekeepers who use it (other than beginning hobbyists). Jeffery Young (jyoung@banyan.com) asked a LOT of questions! See standard advice above. What to do with a good natured hive with an indigenous queen descended from the original Italian queen shipped with the original package? Jeff, after ten years your bees have DEFINITELY superseded the original queen. You state that the bees are good natured, so if it ain't broke, don't fix it! Now is not the time of year to be requeening if it's not imperative anyway. Requeening is a tricky process and chances of success are less with a populous hive than one with a smaller population. Fall and early spring are the best times to requeen. Keeping ants out of a hive: A good way to keep ants out of your hives is to use a product available from tree nurseries called Tanglefoot. The is a very sticky paste that is used to put a ring around the trunks of trees to keep caterpillars and other insects from climbing into trees. If you place your hives on stands built with 2X4s, you can use Tanglefoot on the legs of the stand to prevent ants from crawling up to the hive bodies. This suggestion is sure fire, but labor intensive. Care must be taken to be sure that the bees don't get stuck up in the Tanglefoot, which is why the hives should be on hive stands of some sort. Cement cinder blocks also make good hive stands. Extracting Equipment: Quite an expense for someone with a single hive! Watch want ads for used equipment, or join a beekeepers association to meet beekeeper contacts who may know someone getting out of the business with equipment to sell or members who have equipment they may be willing to rent. I prefer a capping plane to a capping knife - the capping plane is more precise/less awkward to use. I have never seen them in the Dadant catalogs, but was able to procure one from a local supplier who got his from a supplier in Canada (are you listening Peter?). Preferred method for removing workers from queen excluded honey supers: I prefer a bee blower (expensive to buy, but a BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION - (are you getting the gist?) may point you towards a rental). Chemicals, such as Bee-Go are not to my liking, but I must confess that I have never used them. With only a single hive you are just as well off shaking and brushing the workers off a frame at a time. Preventative methods for Mite control: I know of none. Research is being done on mite resistant strains of bees, with some indication that Buckfast Bees (among others) are mite resistant, but the jury is still out. This is a reason to keep indigenous queens - your indigenous queen may be the mother of all mite resistant bees! Mite detection can be done either using sticky paper on the bottom board or by using the ether roll method. If you determine that mites are a problem you can use Apistan strips or Mitacur (if approved in Massachusetts) as a treatment, but you cannot treat while you have honey supers on your hive. Anything to be conscious of with a backyard hive? Yes! Your neighbors. Your neighbors' children. Your neighbors' pets. Your neighbors' clothes lines (I guarantee they will not appreciate the polka dots of winter cleansing flights!). Remember the saying: "Good fences make good neighbors!". Fences, either wooden or hedge rows, force your bees to fly above head level before crossing the property line. They also serve as barriers between defensive guard bees and inquisitive minds. With the law suit craze prevalent in the states, take care not to upset those around you. Check that there are no local laws or ordinances prohibiting hives in your community. Share a bottle or two of your bees labors with your neighbors. A little good will goes a long way! I think that covers all the questions. Whew! Just one more plug for a local beekeepers association. The types you'll meet will be familiar with your area (climate, seasons, rules, contacts, etc.), they'll be friendly and informative (I never met a beekeeper I didn't like), and they'll surely be able to talk much faster than I can type! ;-) Aaron Morris 15 years hobby beekeeper Upstate New York, Saratoga Region ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 9 Jun 1993 21:47:00 BSC Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology Comments: @FPSP.FAPESP.BR - @FPSP.HEPNET - @BRFAPESP.BITNET - .BR gateway From: DPSEUPM9@BRFAPESP.BITNET Subject: Bee's Poison I'm like to know about bee's poison extraction technique. Can you help me?? Thanks Vanderlei Costa ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 9 Jun 1993 21:35:21 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Adam Finkelstein Subject: Re: Verbose answer to BEEKEEPING questions (not biology!) In-Reply-To: from "Aaron Morris" at Jun 9, 93 11:25:54 am Regarding a good book for beekeeping questions I recommend: "The Beekeeper's Handbook" Sammataro, Diana and Avitable, Alphonse, New York Collier, 1986. ISBN 0 - 02-081410-0 This book is easy to understand and the illustrations are helpful. Adam VDACS Apiary Inspector 116 Reservoir St. Harrisonburg, VA 22801 703-433-1006 adamf@virginia.edu ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1993 14:07:09 +0100 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: malcolm roe Subject: Laying workers. I've just finished extracting some supers. Whilst uncapping I noticed 3 cells with brood in them. The two that were capped were certainly drone cells (domed capping) but in worker sized cells. I assume the third was as well although it wasn't capped. The frames were all in supers from the same hive although I lost track of the particular hive whilst moving them. All the hives from which I took supers are queenright and healthy with plenty of brood in all stages. I inspected them a few days earlier. None of the queens are older than about 1 year. I use queen excluders. I assume I have one or more laying workers. I can't imagine that the queen got through the excluder, laid 3 eggs and then returned to the brood chamber. I'm not worried from a practical point of view but I'm interested. I had believed that workers only start laying when deprived of a queen for some time. I suppose it's possible that some workers lay eggs in most colonies but we just don't notice it because the queen is much more prolific. I'd be interested to hear other people's comments or experience. -- Malcolm Roe Phone : +44 442 230000 ext 4104 Crosfield Electronics Ltd Fax : +44 442 232301 Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP2 7RH, UK E-mail : roe@crosfield.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1993 08:33:38 PDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Paul Chi-Jen Cheng Subject: Re: Laying workers. > of a queen for some time. I suppose it's possible that some workers > lay eggs in most colonies but we just don't notice it because the queen > is much more prolific. I'd be interested to hear other people's > comments or experience. Although a very low percentage of eggs in a colony are laid by workers, I think that this event is actually quite common. Francis Rateniks of UC Berkeley and Meredith Humphreys (grad. student) here at Davis are studying the "hive policing" aspects of this event. Do workers preferentially remove worker-laid eggs than queen-laid eggs? Do workers in a hive subfamily preferentially remove worker-laid eggs from another subfamily? Is this done by scent? Paul -- Paul C. Cheng (pccheng@ucdavis.edu) (no e-mail address as of yet) Bee Biology, U.C. Davis Northwestern University Medical School Lab phone no.: (916) 752-0333 Class of 2000 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1993 14:42:28 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Ron Grimard DDP Augusta Subject: Re: A source for frame foundation in Dale, thanx for the Address, I will surly get the catalog. I have not heard about Plactic foundation being used, I assume it comes all draw out into cells??...Ron ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1993 14:46:20 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Ron Grimard DDP Augusta Subject: Re: A source for frame foundation in New England Mike, thanx for the info, I appreciate it...Ron ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 11 Jun 1993 12:03:02 PDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jane Beckman Subject: Re: A source for frame foundation If this is the foundation I think it is, the frames come as a single "pre-fab" unit, frame and foundation, with the foundation part of the frame coated with a light layer of beeswax. I bought a couple to try (samples) this year, but haven't installed them yet. They're *very* expensive, by the way, so unless you want to use them as a permanent fixture in the brood body, you might want to take this into account. They're also a kind of funky (seems flimsy) shape, compared to standard wood frames. Does anyone know how well they work out in an extractor? I'm only a hobby beekeeper, so it's no biggie with me. --Jane Beckman [jane@swdc.stratus.com] ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 11 Jun 1993 15:12:38 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Ed Kear Subject: Re[2]: A source for frame foundation Our local supplier says that the wax on the wax coated-plastic foundations can peel off over time and so they don't recommend them for beginners. But they'll sell them to you if you want :) Ed Kear ebk@nyserda.org ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 11 Jun 1993 15:49:00 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Malcolm (Tom) Sanford, Florida Extension Apiculturist" Subject: June APIS FILENAME: JUNAPIS.93 Florida Extension Beekeeping Newsletter Apis--Apicultural Information and Issues (ISSN 0889-3764) Volume 11, Number 6, June 1993 NEW FLORIDA RESEARCH--WHY HYBRIDS FAIL? Anyone who has had experience with scientific research knows that results come slowly, only after a great deal of thought and work. Once the evidence is in, however, the patience and expense needed to gather it are often justified. This is certainly true at the University of Florida where research is revealing why hybrids in the tropics are more than likely to fail. I last reported on Dr. Glenn Hall's studies analyzing honey bee DNA here at the University in the February 1990 issue of this newsletter. At that time, I said a controversy existed concerning the amount of hybridization occurring in the American tropics between the African and European honey bee, and Dr. Hall's studies indicated much less was happening than had been predicted because African bees were spreading as a result of swarming, not by African drones mating with European queens. As I also said at that time, "...breeding programs in the tropics relying on European drones to 'dilute' African traits will not have much effect because (1) there are so few European queens to mate with, and (2) the African mother lines are continuing to produce numbers of African drones. Hybridization between European and African bees, therefore, is asymmetrical in the tropics, favoring African bees. This has been observed in all places so far colonized by African bees in the Americas." The question as to why the few hybrids created in the tropics did not seem to persist captivated Dr. Hall. Thus, he teamed up with Arizona State University's Jon F. Harrison, an insect physiologist. Together they have provided the first solid data to show the African-European hybrids are at a disadvantage in their struggle for survival with the pure African variety. They measured the in-flight carbon dioxide output of 15 colonies of hybrids that Dr. Hall had established in Honduras with colleagues at the Escuela Agricola Panamericana. They also tested the African and European parent colonies for comparison. The results show that African bees are "souped up"; they have higher metabolic capacities than European bees as predicted and observed. However, the hybrids' energy-producing capacities were not intermediate, as originally thought, but only equivalent to or lower than those of Europeans. The hybrids' lower metabolic rate may result in inferior flight performance or in other ways make them less adaptive in the tropics. Certain enzymes in the mitochondria, where the oxygen is used and energy produced, require mitochondrial genes that come just from the mother, as well as nuclear genes that come from both the mother and the father. Because African and European bees have been separated for many thousands of years, the components of these enzymes may not be perfectly compatible. Drs. Hall and Harrison's evidence appears in the May 20th issue of the international journal, Nature, the same publication that published Dr. Hall's original findings on the spreading of African bees by swarming. This information further confirms the prediction and subsequent observations that two distinct populations of bees exist in areas being colonized by African bees. The population of European managed bees is constantly under threat of being Africanized by the another consisting of many wild African colonies. Because the African mother lines are intact, however, the reverse is not true; very few European queens manage to produce drones which will hybridize with African queens. In addition, this new information suggests that whatever hybrids are produced in the wild are at an extreme disadvantage and their survival is questionable. From a practical standpoint this means that to continue managing European stock in tropical areas, beekeepers must consistently requeen with European queens which must come from outside the area under siege by African bees. To keep things in perspective, however, Dr. Hall suggests that some hybrids which are managed properly by beekeepers may actually be superior producers in certain situations. This may be analagous to the current situation where those investigating mite resistance in various strains of bees suggest that some tradeoff may be necessary to keep a balance, in effect substituting superior honey production for less vulnerability to parasitic mites. ON SUPERSEDURE Many readers of this publication are aware of the video series I did some time back (1977) on beekeeping. It was six half-hour programs produced at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education, and was shown numerous times on Georgia Public Television. That series is history. Another has been produced by the new kid on the block, Dr. Keith Delaplane, now extension apiculturist at the University of Georgia. I view this "takeover" with mixed emotions. Nobody likes to be superseded; I can empathize with many of those mature queens in beekeepers' colonies, suddenly replaced by vigorous, young, egg- laying machines. On the other hand, I was getting tired of seeing all my foibles preserved for eternity on television, including random repeats of catch phrases as I tried to think real time while on camera (editing was nonexistent then) and the failure to successfully light a smoker on the director's command. In addition, the series was dated by introduction of tracheal and Varroa bee mites into the U.S. in the 1980s, which now present large challenges to the modern beekeeper. So it will be good for all to see a fresh face, get new information and reflect on a different point of view about beekeeping. The folks in Georgia should be commended for supporting the craft of beekeeping with two large-scale video productions in the past two decades. The new series, "HONEY BEES AND BEEKEEPING: A Year in the Life of an Apiary," is currently running on Georgia Public Television. After its debut, it will be offered to other public television stations through SECA (Southern Educational Communications Association). Those interested in viewing it should get in touch with their local PBS station. A set of the videotapes for the eight programs will be available in July for the modest price of $59.95. In addition to the video series, Dr. Delaplane has also authored a companion book with the same name. It is designed to accompany the programs, but also stands alone as an excellent reference for the beginning beekeeper. Some twelve chapters encompassing 138 pages with a large number of black and white photographs cover everything from why Dr. Delaplane is an apiculturist to his ten commandments of beekeeping. It costs $12.50. To order and for more information on the book or series, contact Bees, Georgia Center for Continuing Education, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602. OPPORTUNITY FROM ADVERSITY The folks in Hidalgo are capitalizing Texas style on the fact that African bees were first found in their town. The Houston Chronicle on April 11, 1993 ran the headline: "Killer Bee Capital of the World--Too bee or not to bee?" The story continues: "It's big. It's yellow and black. It's even anatomically correct. It's a $18,500, fiberglass-and-steel statue of a killer bee, and it's Hidalgo's shot at luring tourist swarms." The article continues: "We need to put Hidalgo on the map, said Mayor John David Franz, an attorney. Then, why not a killer bee? The statue was built by the FAST Corporation of Sparta, WI, which makes landmark and theme-park animals. FAST President Jerry Vettrus said the killer bee is a one-of-a-kind creation. Vettrus' compulsion for perfection drove him to ensure the big bee was an exact replica of the real thing. In the name of anatomical correctness, bee fans will note the big back feet face backward -- as they should." After visiting Hidalgo in March, I can attest to the reality of this giant bee, standing taller than a person and some twenty feet in length! It is definitely a honey bee with four wings and extremely realistic compound eyes and antennae. However, its feet sport cloven hoofs, more in keeping with the ungulate population Texas is known for, than insects. And what about the name? The article concludes: "Some thought Hidalgo's claim as 'killer bee' capital would scare away the town's winter Texans, or drivers of the 25,000 vehicles that pass through daily on their way into Mexico. But Joe Vera III, Chamber of Commerce president, refused to buzz off. It was 'killer' or nothing. 'Can you imagine trying to read a billboard advertising the World's Largest Africanized honeybee?' It may be working. The big bee made Paul Harvey's radio show. Its bug-eyed presence upstaged accordionist Myron Floren of The Lawrence Welk Show and country music heartthrob Johnny Rodriguez at a recent local festival. Not a day goes by when someone doesn't stop by to snap the bee's picture." VIDEO ENHANCED BEEKEEPERS INSTITUTE We are planning something different this year at the Beekeepers Institute at 4-H Camp Ocala. There will be more structured time and the program starts earlier than usual with a demonstration of tracheal mite dissection by Scott Yocom at 3:30 p.m., Friday, August 13. On the heels of this event, the informal fair will be replaced by a full-blown demonstration of instrumental insemination. Both of these demonstrations will be video enhanced, projected by video so that more people can see the procedures as they take place. Saturday's open hive demonstrations and evening events will emphasize queen rearing and breeding. The publicity brochure which contains the program and specific information about registration procedure and costs will be mailed by late June. If you don't receive it by late July, please contact me for details. Late registration cut off is August 10. The fees remain the same ($85.00 per person includes room and board) except the one-day registration has been raised to $40.00. Finally, we are experimenting with some optional programming for children during the formal presentations, Saturday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Two choices are swimming and canoeing ($10.00 per hour per child, $40.00 minimum) and environmental education classes at $20.00 per child. We are asking for a good deal lead time on these to plan and advance registration payment. Should these activities not be held because of lack of attendance, fees will be refunded. EAS AND WAS The Eastern Apicultural Society (EAS) will meet at the University of Maine in Orno, August 2-6, 1993. EAS this year features a full-fledged beekeeping short course as well as traditional activities including the Master Beekeeper Program and honey show. Those interested in registering can contact me for a form or Tony Jadczak, State Apiarist, Maine Department of Agriculture Division of Plant Industry, Sta#28, Augusta, ME 04333, ph 207/287-3891. The WAS, Western Apicultural Society will meet August 16-20, at Simon Frazier University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. This year's event features a half-day of field oriented workshops, a salmon barbecue and what has been billed as "bee olympics/dances with bees (bee beards)." There is a very early registration cutoff, June 30. For more information contact Conference Services, Halpern Centre, Simon Frazier University, Burnaby, BC, Canada V5A 1S6, ph 604/2914910, fax 604/291-3420. URBAN POLLINATION Realization that there is a lack of feral honey bees and thus, a marginal pollination potential in many urban areas because of Varroa mite predation, one Florida County Cooperative Extension office is working on a regional basis to remedy the situation. It soon will send out information to news outlets (Duval, Nassau, St. Johns, Putnam, and Clay counties) concerning an educational event to encourage bee-tending for pollination as opposed to beekeeping for honey production. If you are interested in this approach, please contact Mr. Raymond Zerba, Clay County Extension, P.O. Box 278, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043-0178, ph 904/284-6355. DOWN UNDER Two of the most progressive apicultural industries in the world are down under in New Zealand and Australia. So it is that Dr. Jim Tew, Extension Apiculturist, The Ohio State University is leading a tour of beekeepers this fall to the region, sponsored by the Citizen Ambassador Program. The proposed dates are October 22 through November 5. Estimated cost is $4650 which includes transportation, accommodations and most meals. For further information, contact Mr. D. Michael Rennaker, Director, Agricultural Projects, Citizen Ambassador Program, Dwight D. Eisenhower Bldg., Spokane, WA 99202, ph 509/534-0430. The last trip in this series was to China. Its success has led to the current proposal. THUMBNAIL SKETCH Here's a thumbnail sketch of the beekeeping industry in the United States provided by the American Beekeeping Federation. It was published by Dr. Jim Tew in the News Digest of the Ohio State Beekeepers Association, Spring 1993. General Statistics: * 125,000 beekeepers--located in every state * 3.03 million colonies--operated by owners of five or more colonies * Typical commercial operation--1500-2500 colonies * About 600 beekeepers operate 1,000 or more colonies each; as a group these produce 75% of the U.S. honey crop * Farm value of honey crop--$125 million * U.S. honey consumption--1.1 pounds * Employment--2,400 full time and 6,100 part time employees * Added value (pollination) to 40 U.S. crops--$9.7 billion (1985 value) Sources of Revenue: * Honey production--$125 million * Pollination rentals--$46 million * Queens and packages--$27 million * Hive products--$5 million Sincerely, Malcolm T. Sanford Bldg 970, Box 110620 University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611-0620 Phone (904) 392-1801, Ext. 143 FAX: 904-392-0190 BITNET Address: MTS@IFASGNV INTERNET Address: MTS@GNV.IFAS.UFL.EDU ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 12 Jun 1993 08:08:00 BSC Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology Comments: @FPSP.FAPESP.BR - @FPSP.HEPNET - @BRFAPESP.BITNET - .BR gateway From: Vanderlei Costa - Fapesp Subject: BEE's toxin Hi, Can anyone tell me where a find information about extraction of Bee's toxin?? Does anyone know any expert in this area??? Thanks, Vanderlei ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 13 Jun 1993 06:11:36 PDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Ike Norton 13-Jun-1993 0907 Subject: Re: Re[2]: A source for frame foundation I have used have used the plastic frame foundation in one deep super and in honey supers mixed with wood frames in the same box. I don't think the wax peels off so much as that the bees might remove it during a dearth. You have to paint fresh wax on in this case. Ike Norton, hobby beekeeper for about 10 years norton@ivers.enet.dec.com ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 13 Jun 1993 20:54:24 -0400 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Dale Guilford Subject: Re: What are my bees up to? Mike, I am not expert, but only a hobbist with 7 colonies and 5 years experience. I've been told that there are typically numerous queen cells present which are partly complete. The only time you have to be concerned is when they contain royal jelly or are sealed over. Regarding communication holes, whenever I used solid foundation the bees always create their own by chewing holes in the bottom corners or all along the bottom of the frame. DaleG ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 13 Jun 1993 20:54:38 -0400 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Dale Guilford Subject: Re: Back into Beekeeping All of your questions are valid. However you will have many more. You are on the right track by seeking a local beekeepers club. A couple of suggestions, Make afriendship with a experienced beekeeper. Subscribe to a beekeepers publication AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL, Hamilton ILL. 62341 217-847-3324 or BEE CULTURE 216-725-6677. Also, Wicwas press has a large selection of books devoted to the subject, P.O.Box 817, Cheshire CT 06410-0817 203-250-7575. Your biggest chalenge will staying with just one colony DaleG ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 13 Jun 1993 20:54:54 -0400 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Dale Guilford Subject: Re: A source for frame foundation in Ron, The two kinds I have used require the bees to draw it out. Both have a comb pattern with cells about 3/32nds deep molded with the plastic. However I have seen advertisements for complete molded cells. DaleG ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 13 Jun 1993 20:55:08 -0400 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Dale Guilford Subject: Re: A source for frame foundation Jane, I have used both kinds. The one molded a as single piece which takes the place of the frame and foundation. These are mfg. by Pierco 1-800-bee-comb. A member of our local club runs about 600 colonies using only these. I use mostly Placticell which is availale through Dadant. It is a founation sheet which is like wax foundation and has to be mounted in a std. wood frame. Ref. Dadant 1993 catolog Page 6&7. Noticing your Internet address I am was wondering about your position at StratusI. It is a target accunt of ours since we already supply one of Stratus's copetitors? DaleG ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 14 Jun 1993 15:56:00 GMT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Guy Poppy Subject: nectar analysis Hi beeliners, We are looking at the foraging behaviour of bees on two cultivars of field beans. Most of the work concerns field observations, but we are trying ti tie in any differences with other cultivar differences, e.g. UV reflectance, SEM of pollen, Nectar diurnal production. With reference to the nectar, we are keen to quantify nectar composition and look for any differences. Unfortunately, this is only a small part of our project and simplicity is of the essence - although an accurate method would be nice. We are thinking of using a GC (as we are familiar with volatile analysis) and de rivatising the sugars before analysis. We intend to collect about 10-20ul of nectar from the two cultivars and to take about 5 replicates of each cultivar. If the replicates from within a cultivar are consistent, then we can compare the two. We appreciate that it would be nice to look at individual flowers at set points on the raceme during the day, but time does not allow us this luxury. If it looks promising, we may well undertake such a detailed study. Has anyone get any ideas or aletrnative ways we could undertake this task. Any references concerning cultivar nectar differences would be appreciated . We have thought about HPLC analysis, but are not so familiar with this technique. For instance, the UV detector on the HPLC should be at what setting - we have tried looking at sugars on a spectrophotometer with little success. Guy Poppy ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 14 Jun 1993 11:46:00 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: di5 Subject: Re: nectar analysis In-Reply-To: <9306141504.AA02949@umailsrv0.UMD.EDU> There are two sources of information you could turn to for help in nectar analysis; both of these books on pollination biology were just published: Kearns, C. A., and D. W. Inouye. 1993. Techniques for Pollination Biologists. University Press of Colorado. 583 pages. paperback $17.50, cloth $37.50. Dafni, A. 1992. Pollination Ecology. A Practical Approach. IRL Press at Oxford University Press. 250 pages. paperback $39.95. Both of these books are available at a 5% discount from list price, and $2.00 shipping, from: Turris Ebora Books 3304 Gumwood Drive Hyattsville, MD 20783 David Inouye Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory di5@umail.umd.edu ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 14 Jun 1993 10:18:06 PDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jane Beckman Subject: Re: A source for frame foundation I tend to favor traditional frames with Duragilt, myself, but figured it wouldn't hurt to try the plastic frames. My bees don't seem terribly enthused at drawing comb on the plastic frames, though. I'm a tech writer at the Western Development Group, the group that develops the FTX (fault-tolerant UNIX) product line. One of our competitors? Could that be Tandem? -Jane B. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 14 Jun 1993 10:34:13 PDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Dave Pehling Organization: WSU CAHE USER Subject: Re: BEE's toxin In-Reply-To: Message of Sat, 12 Jun 1993 08:08:00 BSC from RE: Obtaining bee venom.. Jim Tew at Ohio State University demostrated venom extration during his satellite-transmitted beekeeping class this last winter. As I remember, the apparatus was an electrified grid of fine wires on the landing board with a glass plate underneath. The bees received a mild shock from the grid and responded by ejecting a drop of venom onto the glass plate. The bees are not harmed. The glass plate is removed and placed in the freezer. When the venom is frozen, it can be scraped off. I'll try to find a reference with particulars and report to the Bee-L. Cheers.... Dave Pehling CE6431@WSUVM1.CSC.WSU.EDU ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 14 Jun 1993 13:41:00 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Kerry Clark 784-2225 fax (604) 784 2299" Subject: Bee venom collecting Regarding the request for information: I just noticed an article in the Alberta Bee News, May 1993. It is Extra income from bee venom collecting, by M. Simics and C. Fogarassy. There is a reference list with 11 entries, including Galuska, H 1972 Collection of bee venom by means of electric current Zoologica Polloniae Vol 22 p53-69. and Charles Mraz, 1982 bee venom for arthritis. ABJ p 121-123 There is likely something more recent. (i've heard of a grid of fine wires with an electrical potential diff on alternate wires. the grid with an underlying tray is inserted into a hive entrance, and the bees try to sting between the wires, depositing venom on the tray. good luck ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 15 Jun 1993 18:29:24 BST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: sarah alexandra corbet Subject: Re: [nectar analysis] In-Reply-To: -unspecified- For Guy Poppy and his field beans... the book by Kearns and Inouye is just out and full of methods for nectar analysis. there are glucose spot test papers for diabetics' urine testing available in chemists' shops, and some types are semiquantitative and will give an answer for a single bean flower's nectar. Baker and Baker developed a field technique for estimating amino acid concentration. There are small-scale field methods of TLC for amino acids too. SAC2@UK.ac.cam.phx ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1993 10:44:35 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Rick Hough Subject: EAS Conference in Maine *NOTE* This is a long posting... My apologies to those who have no interest... For those of you who have requested information about the Eastern Apicultural Society's 1993 Conference to be held in August in Orono, ME, please read on.. This notice was transcribed verbatim by Rick Hough (rshough@tasc.com) from a notice recently issued by EAS. Questions about the conference or registrationshould be directed to the people identified in the notice, and not to me (thanks!) EASTERN APICULTURAL SOCIETY of North America, Inc. EAS 1993 CONFERENCE UNIV. OF MAINE, ORONO AUGUST 2-6, 1993 The Maine State Beekeepers Association cordially invite you to plan this year's vacation for the first week of August and come to Maine for the 1993 EAS Conference. The Maine Beekeeping Associations, Department of Agriculture and University have organized a Conference that offers an excellent array of speakers, workshop instructors and short course faculty. Your hosts promise to both educate and entertain you. You can make the 1993 Conference even better by bringing along your entries for the Competitive Show. The members of EAS are known for their quality products. You can share your beekeeping, baking and crafting skills with fellow beekeepers by entering this year's Competitive Show. You just may win a ribbon or award! The show rules and categories appeared in the April EAS Journal. If you would like a copy of the show rules write either Loretta Surprenant, Secretary or Tony Jadczak, President and you will get a prompt reply. The 1993 Conference will begin Monday, August 2 at 8:00am with the EAS Short Course in Beekeeping coordinated by Dr. Larry Connor. The Short Course will conclude Wednesday, August 4 at noon. The Short Course faculty is comprised of individuals from USDA labs, State and Provincial Universities and Departments of Agriculture. Subject matter will include: disease and mite biology and control, queen rearing and instrumental insemination, stock selection, new information on races and species of honey bees, plus more. Short Course enrollment is limited to 85 individuals with admittance based upon the date of receipt of your registration. The main Conference will commence Wednesday, August 4 at 1:30 with registration starting at 8:00am. Your hosts have assembled a program with noted speakers from the U.S., Canada and U.K. The Conference program and workshop sessions offer subject matter that will be of interest to all. WEDNESDAY EVENING - A "Reception" is planned that will give Conference attendees the opportunity to visit with each other and relax from the journey to Maine. This casual gathering will provide individuals with the energy needed for the hectic days ahead. THURSDAY - "Spouses Tour and Luncheon" with visits to the famous LL Bean's Ellsworth store and the beautiful village of Bar Harbor. Individuals will have the opportunity to shop and enjoy the sights of this coastal community. THURSDAY EVENING - "Maine Style Lobster and Clambake" - Another casual get together with a taste of Maine. Your hosts have arranged for entertainment by Judy Michaels a songwriter who co-hosts one of the most popular morning radio shows in Maine. Judy has won raves from Maine to Nashville. FRIDAY - "A tour of the blueberry harvest" at the Wyman Blueberry Company. Space is limited for this tour so be sure to send in your registration without delay. FRIDAY EVENING - "Banquet" - Great food and entertainment by a noted Maine humorist and folksinger. A grand finale for EAS '93 with Competitive Show Awards and acknowledgment for the new Masterbeekeepers. CAMPSITES - Information on campsites appeared in the September 1992 EAS Journal. For more information contact Tony Jadczak, President EAS '93 or consult your September EAS Journal. CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES - Don't forget to bring the children. Activities are planned for the kids during the Conference. The children will want to see more of Maine after the Conference. AFTER THE CONFERENCE - Try to see more of "Vacationland" with the family after the Conference: Maine offers something for everyone. Baxter State Park and Acadia National Park give visitors an opportunity to hike trails and see Maine treasures such as our beloved moose and rocky coast. Whale and Puffin Watching cruises are popular on the coast. Western and northern Maine offer beautiful mountain lakes and fantastic fishing. For additional information contact the Maine Publicity Bureau, POB 2300, Hallowell, ME 04347-2300 Tel: (207) 582-9300 or the Office of Tourism, State House Station #59, Augusta, ME 04333. DIRECTIONS - The University of Maine campus is located in the Town of Orono. From Interstate 95 take Exit 51 (Stillwater Ave., Old Town), go East on Rt 2 toward Orono and go right at the second traffic light (Rt 2A). Rt 2A is .8 miles from the Interstate. There is a McDonald's at this intersection. Travel on Rt 2A .8 miles and follow signs for EAS Registration. The campus is on the left. MEMBERSHIP - If you are unable to attend the 1993 Conference, please renew your membership by sending your $10.00 dues to: Don Churnside, 201 Briarbrook Drive, Kingston, RI 02852. SEE ME in '93 ----------------------------- cut here --------------------------------- REGISTRATION FORM E.A.S. 1993 - University of Maine - Orono, Maine NAME_________________________________PHONE_____________(Res.)____________(Bus) Mr. Mrs. Ms. Dr. ADDRESS___________________________________________CITY_______________________ PROVINCE/STATE____________________________________POSTAL CODE/ZIP____________ NAME OF SPOUSE/COMPANION_____________________________________________________ NAME and AGE OF CHILDREN_____________________________________________________ ARRIVAL DATE________________________ I wish to share a room with (Name and Address)_______________________________ _______________________________ CHECK ____Speaker ____Demonstrator ____Exhibitor ____Delegate ____Handicapped ____EAS Life Member ____Director ____Master Beekeeper Registrations must be received by July 12, 1993 Late Fee $15 U.S. added after July 12, 1993 No reservations accepted after July 23, 1993 Cancellations - refund less $25 U.S. processing fee. If received before July 23, 1993. No refunds issued after this date. ALL FEES STATED ARE "PER PERSON", EXCEPT DUES - IT IS YOUR OPTION TO PAY EITHER IN U.S./CDN FUNDS (Canadian add 10%) SECTION #1 - E.A.S. Annual Dues Individual or Family $10 U.S. $___________ ($0 if already paid through June 1994 or Life Member) SECTION #2 - E.A.S. Short Course in Beekeeping (Enrollment Limited to 85) Monday 8 a.m. (8/2) to Wednesday Noon (8/4) A) Short Course Registration Fee ____ x $75 (per person) $___________ B) Rooms - (Sunday/Monday/Tuesday Nights)(Limit 3 Persons Per Room) Single ____ x $90 U.S. $___________ Double ____ x $75 U.S. (Per Person) $___________ Cot w/Parent ____ x $8.00 U.S. $___________ C) Meal Package Break'fast (B) / Lunch (L) / Dinner (D) Monday - (B/L/D) Tuesday - (B/L/D) Wednesday- (B/L) ____ x $55 U.S. (Per Person) $___________ SECTION #3 - E.A.S. Conference (Wednesday (8/4) Afternoon to Friday (8/6) Evening) A) Conference Registration Fee must be paid by those over 18 years of age. Full Conference Fee ____ x $50 U.S. $___________ Part Time Conference Fee ____ x $35 U.S. $___________ B) Accommodation (Standard Dormitory Housing - Limit 3 People/Room) 1. Full Conference (Wed/Thurs/Fri Nights) Single ____ x $90 U.S. $___________ Double ____ x $75 U.S. ( Per Person ) $___________ Cot w/Parent ____ x $ 8.00 U.S. $___________ 2. Part Time Conference (Indicate Nights) ____ Wednesday ____ Thursday ____ Friday Single ____ x $30 U.S. $___________ Double ____ x $25 U.S. (Per Person) $___________ Cot w/Parent ____ x $ 8.00 U.S. $___________ 3. Early Arrivals (Tuesday Night) Single ____ x $30 U.S. $___________ Double ____ x $25 U.S. (Per Person) $___________ Cot w/Parent ____ x $8.00 U.S. $___________ C) Meals - Breakfast (B) / Lunch (L) / Dinner (D) Wednesday-(L/D) Thursday-(B/L) Friday-(B/L) Saturday-(B) 1. Full Conference Meal Package ____ x $51 U.S. (Per Person) $___________ 2. Part Time - No Meal Package Available (Meals for part time participants can be purchased in the Student Union) SECTION #4 - Special Events A) Get Acquainted Social- Wednesday Evening (8/4) (Cost included in registration fee) #________Planning to Attend B) Spouses Tour and Luncheon Thursday (8/5) (8/5 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) ____ x $16 U.S. $___________ C) E.A.S. Lobster/Clambake - Thursday Evening (8/5) ____ x $23 Lobster/Clambake $___________ ____ x $17 Sirloin $___________ ____ x $17 Special Meal Required (Same Price) $___________ D) E.A.S. Banquet - Friday Evening (8/6) Table Wine Available - Cash ____ x $15 Fillet of Sole Wellington $___________ ____ x $15 Chicken Cordon Bleu $___________ ____ x $15 Special Meal Required (Same Price) $___________ SECTION #5 - Blueberry Tour (Limited to 45 People) Box Lunches Provided for Those w/Meal Plan ____ x $10 $___________ SECTION #6 - Late Registration Fee (Registration received after 7/12 and before 7/23) ____ x $15 Late Registration Fee $___________ SECTION #7 - Adjustment 1. Short Course - Conference Registrants who have purchased meal plans for both the Conference and Short Course deduct $6.00 $___________ 2. Spouses Luncheon - Individuals with the Conference meal plan and who are attending the Spouses Luncheon/Tour deduct $6.00 $___________ TOTAL PAYMENT - Sections 1,2,3,4,5,6, & 7 $___________ Make Checks Payable To: E.A.S. '93 Mail Check and Registration Form To: William Truesdell RR#2, Box 26 Bath, ME 04530 NOTE: Postage to U.S. From Canada is $ .40 ______________________________________________________________________________ OFFICE USE ONLY Date Rec'd ______ Amt Rec'd $_______ Amt Owed $________ Refund Amt $__________ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 15 Jun 1993 01:03:17 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jeffrey=Young%SQA%Banyan@HIPPO.BANYAN.COM Subject: Worcester County Bee Keepers Assn. Worcester County Bee Keepers Assn. will be having a meeting / demo at the Worcester Science Center, Worcester, MA this Saturday afternoon at 1pm. jeff young - 1 hive & learning jyoung@banyan.com ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 17 Jun 1993 15:13:32 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Peter Subject: Re: nectar analysis In-Reply-To: Message of Mon, 14 Jun 1993 15:56:00 GMT from To look at intervarietal differences in the major sugars of canola Brassica napus, we used HPLC. We examined 25 varieties. Kevan et al. 1992, Sugar ratios in nectars of varieties of canola (Brassica napus). J. apicultural Research 30(2):99-102. We collected nectars onto filter papers, dried them, and later eluted the samples off the paper for HPLC. Cheers, Peter Kevan ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 20 Jun 1993 02:16:38 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jeffrey Young Subject: More questions.... I just joined the local BeeKeepers Assn. (Worcester County BeeKeepers Assn.) and have been finding I have more and more questions the more I learn. Opening a hive for the first time in 5 years and realizing how much is the same and how much has changed is an interesting feeling. * I am interested in hearing of how beekeepers out there may have found ANP Brood comb to work (bees accepting it, strengths of hives, etc.). Designed to prevent Verroa Mites. I have not seen any evidence of the parasite yet in my hive but with all the talk of it lately I thought this may be a good preventative method. * Also how the 6 inch "Perma-Comb Units" (basically fully drawn depth plastic honey comb units) seem to be working out in the real world? * I recently saw a hive lifting tool; It was a hinged unit that slipped over the top of the hive and one person on each side would lift and the unit clamped onto the super handle cutouts, It was a home built rig but I thought it was pretty slick. Unfortunately the keeper that had this was in FLA (I was visiting on vaca at the time) and so I can't contact him directly. Would anyone have a set of plans, with dimensions, for something like this kicking around, that I could get a copy of? That's enough questions for now I guess. Thanks in advance for the response. Jeff Young jyoung@banyan.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1993 16:41:41 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Peter Kevan Subject: Research Network, Apiculture/Sustainable Development A trial network on global sustainable development has been initiated here. If apicultural researchers/educators who are on BEE-L, or are known to BEE-L scientists/educators, would like to participate in the development of the network in the topic of APICULTURE, please address your interest to me EVBKEVAN@VM.UOGUELPH.CA or to CMSALDO@VM.UOGUELPH.CA Aldo De Moor. Thanks, Peter Kevan ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1993 16:55:29 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jim Sims Subject: bee stings, beekeeprs and (lack of) arthritis As a fairly long-time (5+ years, but over 5 years ago) hobby beekeeper (2-4 hives) and a (likely) newly diagnosed victim of rheumatoid arthritis, i'm suddenly more than curious: I recall hearing many years ago of someone who induced arthritis in frogs and used regular stinging to reverse it. I've also heard "folklore" that beekeepers allegedly dont get arthritis. Can someone point me at any articles, TRs, or books on any (non-) linkage between bee stings and arthritis? thanks, jim sims@pdesds1.scra.org ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1993 23:02:46 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jeffrey Young Subject: Sugar I have seen some beekeepers putting small blocks of sugar on the top of frames. What is the benifit of this? jeff ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 23 Jun 1993 09:01:00 GMT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Guy Poppy Subject: Bee venom Dear bee-liners, I have a visiting worker called Dr Karel Mondspiegel and he wishes to send the following message concerning honey bee venom. " I can offer honey bee venom of outstanding quality. This venom is collected using a method which offers good protection against contamination by alimentary proteases. Further information about the chemical composition is available by sending an e-mail to Poppy::UK.AC.AFRC.RESA, in whose Institute I am currently based." ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 23 Jun 1993 11:29:25 +0000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jean-Marie Van Dyck Subject: Re: bee stings, beekeeprs and (lack of) arthritis Jim Sims asks: > As a fairly long-time (5+ years, but over 5 years ago) hobby > beekeeper (2-4 hives) and a (likely) newly diagnosed victim of > rheumatoid arthritis, i'm suddenly more than curious: > > I recall hearing many years ago of someone who induced arthritis in > frogs and used regular stinging to reverse it. I've also heard > "folklore" that beekeepers allegedly dont get arthritis. > > Can someone point me at any articles, TRs, or books on any (non-) > linkage between bee stings and arthritis? > > thanks, > jim Where "science" joins "folklore" !? It's not ? The "Mast Cell Degranulating (MCD) Peptide" [H-Ile-Lys-Cys-Asn-Cys-Lys- Arg-His-Val-Ile-Lys-Pro-His-Ile-Cys-Arg-Lys-Ile-Cys-Gly-Lys-Asn-NH2, two disulfide bonds Cys3-Cys15 and Cys5-Cys19] is present in small amounts in the venom of the european honeybee, apis mellifera. This highly basic peptide causes, at low doses, mast cell degranulation and subsequent histamine release (inflammation, swelling, irritation). At higher doses, it produces an anti-inflammatory effect, which may be beneficial in rheumatic and allergic diseases. (Bachem catalog 1993) Lit.: Dempsey C.E. (1982) Selective formylation of a-amino group or s-amino group of peptides. J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans I 1982(11), p2625-2629, 28 ref. Univ of London, Univ. Coll. Christopher ingold labs. Buku A., Blandina P., Birr C. & Gazis D. (1989) Solid-phase synthesis and biological activity of Mast Cell Degranulating (MCD) peptide, a component of bee venom. Int. J. Peptide Protein Res. 33(2), p86-93, 58 ref. Cuny Mt Sinai Sch. Med., Dept Physiol & Biophys, NY. Obviously, a really immunized beekeeper doesn't keep a very long time this peptide avidly catched by his own immunoglobulins ! Jean-Marie ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 23 Jun 1993 16:19:37 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Malcolm (Tom) Sanford, Florida Extension Apiculturist" Subject: Bee Venom Therapy Update Advances in Apitherapy The latest Bee Well newsletter, April, 1993, of the American Apitherapy Society (AAS) contains evidence that the activities of the Society are increasing and that the use of apitherapy by some physicians is on the rise. This year's AAS annual meeting and scientific symposium was held in May in Baltimore. The Society is attempting to get a group together to travel to China in conjunction with the World Apicultural Congress which will attend Dr. Fang Zhu's International Conference on Apitherapy in Nanjing, September 27-30, 1993. Cost is approximately $4,000.00; for more information contact Mr. Michael Renaker, Citizen Ambassador Program, 509/534-0430. The newsletter contains an introductory letter by President Weeks: "...the AAS has begun an historic working relationship for the first time with the National Institute of Health. Up until now, only foreign governmental scientific agencies have accepted our challenge to research the merits of apitherapy. The National Multi-Center Apitherapy Study (NMCAS)...constitutes approximately 6,000 cases." These include 250 multiple sclerosis patients, 1800 arthritic patients, and 50 gout patients. If you or your physician have information on cases that are being effectively treated with apitherapy, you should contact Dr. Weeks and fill out a form for the NMCAS database. A feature article concerning venom therapy and arthritis published in 1988: J. Rheumatology, 15:10: 1461 was reprinted with permission in the newsletter. It concludes: "Based on accumulating evidence, venom therapies merit attention both for possible (adjunctive) clinical value and as a probe to better understand the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis." A footnote suggests much has been learned since this article was published. Two articles published in the American Bee Journal (March, 1993) are also reprinted. One is by Pat Wagner, Waldorf, MD, 301/843-8350, telling about her experiences with bee stings and Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.): "...when they (doctors) give medicines (ACTH, steriods, antibiotics, etc.) they are giving the adrenal glands (your internal get-well system) a day off for bad behavior. Bee stings tell your adrenal glands 'Hey! Wake up! You are going to work overtime until this person is well again. What have you got to lose? A wheelchair? Numbness? Rigidity? Incontinence?...whatever it is, go ahead and lose it...you have everything to gain." Charles Mraz, arguably, the U.S.' oldest active beekeeper practitioner (60 years of apitherapy!), details his experiences treating M.S. cases, almost all responding well, some dramatically. Mr. Mraz will be visiting China, and he and Dr. Weeks recently spent time in France at that country's equivalent of the U.S. NIH. Kate Chatot, a Registered Nurse (RN), shares her experiences in a column entitled, "Kate's View." This is a moving account of using bee venom therapy to treat "L'hermitte's sign," a painful electric shock accompanying a flare up of M.S. The symptoms were alleviated in one week with the help of 46 bee stings. Ordinarily, this would have meant some three months of serious disability. A review of world scientific literature in this issue publishes abstracts about venom and allergy, glaucoma, M.S., Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cancer and inflammation. There follows a number of letters to the editor from persons who have had venom therapy for tennis elbow, arthritis (3), M.S. (3), melanoma, numbness, optic neuritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Finally, the newsletter publishes a statement from Charles Pixley, President of Writers and Research, Inc. entitled: "Health Care Reform...Another View," and sent to the Clinton transition team for consideration. The current system of health care, according to this statement, is that the industry of medicine has become driven by decision making prejudiced by commercial considerations to the obvious detriment of "health care." A resolution then calls for (1) removal of the Medical Practice Acts, the legislation that U.S. medical practice is based on, (2) a mandate that insurance companies cover "alternative" treatments and all branches of the healing arts be made available to every member of society and the medical profession without prejudice and (3) elimination of funding for NIH, CDC and FDA, considered reactive, not proactive in health care issues. It concludes: "...'fear of quackery' harbored by the prevailing body of medical government has prevented the medical professionals from expanding their knowledge and providing these alternative treatments." For those interested in bee venom therapy, contact the American Apitherapy Society, Bradford Weeks, President, P.O. Box 74, North Hartland, VT 05052, ph 802/295-6383. Membership is set at $30.00 per year. In addition, the Society offers annotated bibliographies of apitherapy, proceedings of the Society's annual meeting, back issues of the newsletter and other information. Now, for my experiences. I personally know two individuals who were repeatedly stung throughout their apicultural careers and yet came down with diseases that venom therapy has been recommended for. One case involves a professional beekeeper who remains afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis. Another is a scientist who late in life contracted Parkinson's disease. Why did exposure to venom not prevent their conditions? To my knowledge, neither of these individuals has undergone bee venom therapy. If they did, would their situations improve? Some clues to answer these questions may be provided in how one defines "therapy." The system may need to be continually challenged by venom and dosages are critical. As Dr. Jean-Marie Van Dyck recently wrote on the Bee-L network , "The 'Mast Cell Degranulating (MCD) Peptide' [H-Ile-Lys-Cys-Asn-Cys-Lys-Arg-His-Val-Ile-Lys-Pro- His-Ile-Cys-Arg-Lys-Ile-Cys-Gly-Lys-Asn-NH2, two disulfide bonds Cys3-Cys15 and Cys5-Cys19] is present in small amounts in the venom of the european honeybee, Apis mellifera. This highly basic peptide causes, at low doses, mast cell degranulation and subsequent histamine release (inflammation, swelling, irritation). At higher doses, it produces an anti-inflammatory effect, which may be beneficial in rheumatic and allergic diseases. Dr. Van Dyck gives two references: Dempsey C.E. (1982) "Selective formylation of a-amino group or s-amino group of peptides." J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans I 1982(11), p2625-2629, 28 ref. Univ of London, Univ. Coll. Christopher ingold labs, and Buku A., Blandina P., Birr C. & Gazis D. (1989) "Solid-phase synthesis and biological activity of Mast Cell Degranulating (MCD) peptide, a component of bee venom." Int. J. Peptide Protein Res. 33(2), p86-93, 58 ref. Cuny Mt Sinai Sch. Med., Dept Physiol & Biophys, NY. With reference to the last study, Dr. Van Dyck concludes: "...a really immunized beekeeper doesn't keep a very long time this peptide avidly catched by his own immunoglobulins !" I purposefully kept that colorful speech pattern for emphasis. An interesting postscript to the above is that "new" drugs can sometimes cause unknown complications. For example, a recent re- published article in the Newsletter of the Florida State Beekeepers Association, obtained from the Maryland Beekeeping Newsletter, indicates that at least two cases have been reported of anti- inflammatory drug (ibuprofen, fenoprofen, naproxen, etc.) use correlated with loss of immunity to bee stings, resulting in allergic reactions. This originally was published in Understanding Prescription Drugs by Dorothy L. Smith (pp. 270-271) and referenced in the British Medical Journal 292:378, 1986. The bottom line from all this is apparent. There's still a lot to learn. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Tom Sanford Extension Apiculturist University of Florida Mailing Address: Bldg 970, Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611-0620 Voice phone 904/392-1801, Ext. 143 FAX 904/392-0190 INTERNET: MTS@GNV.IFAS.UFL.EDU BITNET: MTS@IFASGNV +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 24 Jun 1993 09:51:42 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Malcolm (Tom) Sanford, Florida Extension Apiculturist" review bee-l ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Tom Sanford Extension Apiculturist University of Florida Mailing Address: Bldg 970, Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611-0620 Voice phone 904/392-1801, Ext. 143 FAX 904/392-0190 INTERNET: MTS@GNV.IFAS.UFL.EDU BITNET: MTS@IFASGNV +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 24 Jun 1993 18:22:03 +0000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jean-Marie Van Dyck Subject: solstice reflection reflection apropos of summer solstice ... Does you know if it exist some papers, researchs, observations about the capacity of bees to record the lenght of the day and the difference between two records from day to day ? When you observe the honeybee colonies in our latitudes (50degres 30'N) there is some evidences they could have this. 1. In Nov., with 6 to 10 degre C (40 to 50d F) and obviously no crop we generally find no brood. The days are decreasing. In Feb., with maybe -20 degre C (0d F) and also no crop, each established colony is brooding a beautiful nest (Seeley T.D. Honeybee Ecology (1984)). The days are increasing. 2. Dave Pehling, WSU Coop. Extension (ce6431@wsuvm1.csc.wsu.edu) says: > I have definitly noticed the inclination of an ESTABLISHED hive to draw > drone comb wherever there is empty space. Apparently, a hive "likes" lots > of males available if there are adequate stores, workers, etc. Quite OK when the days are increasing but actually, it is not so evident : There is a crop but the drone brood is not renewed, some is eliminated and some drones are ejected ! The remainers are hiding in some nooks. The days don't change, but ... they are no more increasing ! And, in a few weeks, we'll see a lot of abandoned drones, no more "liked" (days decreasing?) ! 3. Swarming is a bee activity for the late increasing days period : the top ! After that, it is an accident ! What is your mind(s) ? Cheers Jean-Marie Local blooming informations ... Lat. : 50o 30'N - Long. : 4o 56'E - Alt. : 200 m - North Sea at 200 km Tea linde (Tilia) is finishing its buzzy blooming. fields of "Epilobium spicatum Lam." and "Spiraea ulmaria L." fully blooming. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jean-Marie Van Dyck email : bitnet jvandyck@bnandp51 B.P. 102 internet jvandyck@cc.fundp.ac.be B-5000 NAMUR (Belgium) School Med. - Physiol. Chem. dept ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 24 Jun 1993 16:58:11 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Malcolm (Tom) Sanford, Florida Extension Apiculturist" Subject: Can anyone find Rick Hellmich's email address? From: IN%"genebee@sol.fmrp.usp.br" 1-JUN-1993 13:05:23.37 To: IN%"mts@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu" CC: Subj: Return-path: Return-path: genebee@sol.fmrp.usp.br Received: from fox.cce.usp.br (143.107.70.1) by gnv.ifas.ufl.edu (PMDF #3240 ) id <01GYV5FN4UF490MW4L@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu>; Tue, 1 Jun 1993 13:05:02 EST Received: from sol.fmrp.usp.br by fox.cce.usp.br (CONVEX-C120/5.64/CCE-2.0) id AA09952 Received: by sol.fmrp.usp.br (INTERPRO-220/5.61/FMRP-1.0) id AA00795 Date: 01 Jun 1993 14:03:49 -0600 From: genebee@sol.fmrp.usp.br (Genetica-Abelhas FMRP_USP) To: mts@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu Message-id: <9306012003.AA00795@sol.fmrp.usp.br> Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Posted-Date: Tue, 1 Jun 93 14:03:49 -0600 Received-Date: Tue, 1 Jun 93 14:03:49 -0600 To: Tom Sanford From: Pedro Ramos Duay Tom Sanford: Do you have a BITNET or INTERNET address for HELLMICH? Thanks. Pedro Ramos Duay Mexican student of David De Jong ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Tom Sanford Extension Apiculturist University of Florida Mailing Address: Bldg 970, Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611-0620 Voice phone 904/392-1801, Ext. 143 FAX 904/392-0190 INTERNET: MTS@GNV.IFAS.UFL.EDU BITNET: MTS@IFASGNV +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 25 Jun 1993 07:21:01 GMT-1 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Knut Pedersen Organization: UiB Inst. for Mikrobio. & plantefys Subject: Research Network, Apiculture/Sustainable Development Yes, I am interested. Knut Pedersen University of Bergen, Norway ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 25 Jun 1993 12:31:53 -0400 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Kenna MacKenzie Subject: Xylocopa damage to blueberry? I would appreciate help in solving a bit of a puzzle regarding blossom damage to highbush blueberry. Last week I received a call from a grower who had noticed that honey bees were foraging from holes near the base of the corolla. What he described sounded a lot like carpenter bee damage. However, I felt that Xylocopa probably wasn't present in Nova Scotia, so there must be some other explanation. An alternative was that bumble bees were chewing holes in the bloom. I went out to the field and found that indeed the damage looked like carpenter bee damage. There were two small slits at the base of the corolla in all of the ones I looked at. Damage was fairly sporadic and no carpenter bees were seen. Yet, no other entomologists here have seen carpenter bees. My questions are: Has anyone seen carpenter bees in the Atlantic Provinces? Does anyone know what bumble bee blossom damage looks like? The literature says they chew holes in the bloom. I see nothing in the blossoms I examined that suggest chewing of any sort. Any other suggestions of what could be causing this type of damage? The grower wondered if it might be caused by vespid wasps. Thanks. Kenna MacKenzie Agriculture Canada Research Station Phone: 902-679-5731 Kentville, Nova Scotia FAX: 902-679-2311 B4N 1J5 Canada E-mail: k_mackenzie@nsrske.agr.ca ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 25 Jun 1993 10:33:30 CDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Fernando Subject: Re: Xylocopa damage to blueberry? In-Reply-To: Message of Fri, 25 Jun 1993 12:31:53 -0400 from Have you thought about ants being the hole-makers? Some species do, I don't know if in Nova Scotia. Fernando ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 25 Jun 1993 08:52:57 PDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Adrian Wenner Subject: Re: solstice reflection In-Reply-To: <9306241636.AA19009@lifesci.lscf.ucsb.edu>; from "Jean-Marie Van Dyck" at Jun 24, 93 6:22 pm 25 June 1993 / 845 Here in Santa Barbara (on Santa Cruz Island), bees swarm almost all year, and we can find drones aplenty much of the year. Decreasing or increasing day length doesn't seem to be a factor. Adrian M. Wenner Prof. of Nat. History, Emeritus Univ. of Calif., Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA 93106 wenner@lifesci.ucsb.edu > > reflection apropos of summer solstice ... > > Does you know if it exist some papers, researchs, observations about > the capacity of bees to record the lenght of the day and the > difference between two records from day to day ? When you observe the > honeybee colonies in our latitudes (50degres 30'N) there is some > evidences they could have this. > > 1. > In Nov., with 6 to 10 degre C (40 to 50d F) and obviously no crop we generally > find no brood. The days are decreasing. In Feb., with maybe -20 degre C (0d F ) > and also no crop, each established colony is brooding a beautiful > nest (Seeley T.D. Honeybee Ecology (1984)). The days are increasing. > > 2. > Dave Pehling, WSU Coop. Extension (ce6431@wsuvm1.csc.wsu.edu) says: > > I have definitly noticed the inclination of an ESTABLISHED hive to draw > > drone comb wherever there is empty space. Apparently, a hive "likes" lots > > of males available if there are adequate stores, workers, etc. > > Quite OK when the days are increasing but actually, it is not so > evident : There is a crop but the drone brood is not renewed, some is > eliminated and some drones are ejected ! The remainers are hiding in > some nooks. The days don't change, but ... they are no more > increasing ! And, in a few weeks, we'll see a lot of abandoned drones, > no more "liked" (days decreasing?) ! > > 3. > Swarming is a bee activity for the late increasing days period : the top ! > After that, it is an accident ! > > What is your mind(s) ? > Cheers Jean-Marie > > > Local blooming informations ... > Lat. : 50o 30'N - Long. : 4o 56'E - Alt. : 200 m - North Sea at 200 km > > Tea linde (Tilia) is finishing its buzzy blooming. > fields of "Epilobium spicatum Lam." and "Spiraea ulmaria L." fully blooming. > > ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Jean-Marie Van Dyck email : bitnet jvandyck@bnandp51 > B.P. 102 internet jvandyck@cc.fundp.ac.be > B-5000 NAMUR (Belgium) School Med. - Physiol. Chem. dept > ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- > ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 25 Jun 1993 11:13:19 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: DOUG YANEGA Subject: Re: Xylocopa damage to blueberry? > Has anyone seen carpenter bees in the Atlantic Provinces? > > Does anyone know what bumble bee blossom damage looks like? The > literature says they chew holes in the bloom. I see nothing in > the blossoms I examined that suggest chewing of any sort. > > Any other suggestions of what could be causing this type of > damage? The grower wondered if it might be caused by vespid > wasps. Another possibility is that Ceratina are responsible. If I had to put money on anything, it'd be that or Bombus. -------(please include "DY" in subj header of mail to this user)-------- Doug Yanega Illinois Natural History Survey, 607 E. Peabody Dr. Champaign, IL 61820 (AND Snow Museum, Univ. of KS, Lawrence, KS 66045) Bitnet: KUENTO@UKANVAX ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 25 Jun 1993 11:18:00 CST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Terry Dahms Subject: June newsletter "The Buzz" - Iowa Beekeepers' File item: BUZZ0693.TXT 6/25/93 11:13AM 21464 Submitted by Terry Dahms President-East Central Iowa Beekeepers ----------------------------------------------------------------- THE BUZZ JUNE, 1993 ----------------------------------------------------------------- A newsletter published monthly as a cooperative effort by The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and The Iowa Honey Producers Association (IHPA), an affiliate member of the Iowa Horticultural Society. Copy deadline is the 20th of each month. Your ideas, comments and letters are welcomed and encouraged. EDITOR: Bob Cox, State Apiarist, Iowa Dept. of Agriculture, Wallace Building, Des Monies, IA. 50319 phone: (515) 281-5736 IHPA MEMBERSHIP: Membership dues in the Iowa Honey Producers Assn. are $5.00/year. Send to Robert Shepherd, IHPA Treasurer. ----------------------------------------------------------------- PRESIDENTS MESSAGE Dear Fellow Beekeepers, It has been another wet spring in Iowa. We've been trying to work bees and clean up equipment in between rains. The outlook for the summer is looking good though. A hot, dry summer is what we need to produce a good honey crop. We have the moisture; now we need the sun. I want to thank all of you that have been writing or calling your congressmen concerning the honey program. I believe you are making a difference. Keep up the good work. I've heard that NBC is doing a piece on the honey program and Adee Honey Farms for their Dateline show. They filmed it April 21. I'm not sure when it will be aired on TV, so you'll have to watch your TV programming or the papers for the day and time. Don't forget the field days that have been planned for the year. The first was held Saturday, May 22nd at Ray Tull's farm in Donnellson on queen rearing. Watch your Buzz for others coming up. These field days can make for a very informative and enjoyable day. The State Fair is just around the corner again. The bid sheet (found on page 9) needs to be filled out and sent in by June 10. Also we need comb honey. In the past few years its been in short supply and the demand is great. I encourage you all to enter into the competition with your honey, comb, candles, etc. There is prize money and ribbons waiting to be claimed. It's alot of fun. -Leroy Kellogg THE EAST-CENTRAL IOWA BEEKEEPING ASSOCIATION MEETING Are you a beekeeper? Or are you beginning beekeeping? Join us to get new ideas, swap stories, get help with problems, and hang out with other beekeepers. Even if you are an intermediate or more experienced beekeeper, you may wish you had a way to share this interesting hobby. The East-Central Iowa Beekeeping Association meets quarterly to share ideas and share enthusiasm for our unusual and challenging pastime. The next meeting will be Monday, June 14, 7 to 9 p.m. in Montgomery Hall, lower level, Johnson County 4-H fairgrounds on Riverside Dr/Hwy 218 south of the airport and Colonial Lanes, Iowa City. LOOKING FOR THE QUEEN (continued from May BUZZ) As you lift each frame to view, look down at the exposed side to the next frame to be removed. You will sometimes spot the queen on this frame because her abdomen extends out over the normal height of the worker bees on the comb. Sometimes the drones will fool you, however. Proceed all through the frames in the upper body looking for the queen. If you cannot find her, push all frames back to the original position, leaving the first out and proceed to look again. Although at times a failing queen may be present with no eggs showing, as you search for the queen make sure you see eggs in cells to be certain the colony is queen-right. If the queen is not found the second time through, repeat the process and look for her in the lower body. If you are unable to find her in either section, replace all frames to the original position and leave the hive divided, move to the next colony, and work it in the same manner. You may work several colonies and have success in finding the queen in each before going back and looking for this first queen again. She may finally appear after having been hidden on the wall of the hive or in the corner of the bottom board. Without methodically splitting frames and looking for the queen while opening a hive that is two or three stories high, one has to be lucky in order to find her. Queens have the tendency to keep moving down to a lower section away from light, disturbance, and smoke. Spring is the ideal time to find queens, as the colony is small at this time of year. The queen is usually found in the upper hive body. When you first open the hive, queens may move to the bottom side of the inner cover as the hive bodies are pried apart and smoked. Queens are seldom found on the outermost frames next to the hive wall. These frames usually contain honey and no brood unless the beekeeper is using follower boards. When lifting individual frames to view, one gets accustomed to the normal weight of each. Frames containing all honey are heaviest. Next are those containing honey and sealed brood. Those with empty cells and unsealed brood are the lightest. When lifting the lighter frames, scan with particular care as this is an excellent area in which to find the queen. Don't be discouraged. Sometimes a queen is harder to find in a weaker colony with a small cluster of bees than in a large, populated hive. ***************************************************************** DADANT BEE SUPPLY DEALER specializing in providing supplies for the hobbyist and small sideline beekeeper. AUTUMN APIARIES, INC. - GORDON & BEVERLY POWELL 4012 - 54TH STREET DES MOINES, IA. 50310 PHONE (515) 278-1762 ***************************************************************** STATE APIARISTS REPORT June is the month to super up your colonies. Its too late to start new colonies and still get a honey crop this season. All medications and mite strips should be removed from colonies before honey supers are placed on the hive. It is also a time to get extracting equipment cleaned and repaired. If you do not have enough containers for the honey crop, you will need to procure those now. I hope you will consider entering Iowa state fair apiary exhibit this year. If you offer honey for sale to the public there is no reason why you couldn't enter the state fair. You can improve your product by participating in the fair. Go ahead and give it a whirl! There are categories for liquid dark and light honey, plain and flavored creamed honey, cut and section comb honey, beeswax candles and artwork, honey displays and observation beehives. Most of the classes are the same as last year. The biggest change will be the size of the table display which have been cut in half. Each display will be a right triangle measuring 7 x 7 x 10 feet on the sides. Class 12 (frame of cut comb) is now a Beewax (poured mold art class) and class 14 Beeswax (Art Class) is now Handcrafted Beeswax Art (not from a poured mold). The beeswax candle class (15) is now restricted to molded or dipped tapers. We are going back to the 2 1/2 pound chunk honey jars for Class 7 Combination Chunk and Strained Honey. Creamed honey must be in the one pound plastic tubs this year. Now that you are convinced to enter the state fair, all we need is a good honey crop. We can't have four poor honey crops in a row? Can we? We plan to have four summer field inspectors this summer and fall. They will start work inspecting the week of June 21st. If you need your bees inspected call Bob Cox at (515) 281-5736. Louis Rickers will be inspecting the Northcentral part of the state again this year. Tom Schuster of Dubuque will cover Eastern Iowa. Southern Iowa will be inspected by Mike O'Hearn from near Shennandoah and Northwest Iowa will again be covered by Bill Eickholt of Cherokee. TO THE BEEKEEPERS OF IOWA: I have decided that 41 years in public service of which 18 have been with the Department of Agriculture is sufficient. I have tendered my resignation effective June 30, 1993. I do want to thank all the beekeepers for their fine support and the great friends I have met. These have been pleasant years working with all of you and may God continue His blessings on each of you. -Robert L. Wells Assistant State Apiarist MARKETING HONEY TO THE YOUNGER GENERATION A recent National Honey Board article indicates that teenagers spent $58 billion in 1991, of which half is spent on food. About 60% of kids favor sweet foods. A product containing all-natural honey satisfies that sweet tooth and gets a "thumbs up" from mom and dad. The children's market has the most potential because it has all of its purchases ahead of it. The habits they form now will stay with them for a lifetime. Also, kids have $2.6 billion worth of influence on their parents' baked goods purchases each year. This marketing oportunity will not last much past the year 2000. Beyond this "Echo Baby Boom" may lie the smallest number of kids in half a century. (Information from NHB's Honey Hotline) ANDERSON-ERICKSON'S HONEY ICE CREAM For the last three years Anderson-Erickson Dairy has produced 4-oz. honey-vanilla and honey-almond ice cream cups for the Iowa Honey Producers to sell at the State Fair Honey Booth. Those products will be sold at state fair again this year. Additionally, David Bush, frozen product manager for Anderson-Erickson Dairy, said that the new Honey-Almond Premium Ice Cream is on its way and should be on the market sometime this summer. In the table below you can see that Honey Ice Creams sales decreased while honey yogurt sales increased in 1992. There was some discussion earlier about manufacturing a frozen honey yogurt rather than ice cream and nation-wide that seems to be a trend. One of the most novel honey products introduced in 1992 was Honey & Cashew Frozen Yogurt by United Dairy Farmers. Beekeepers are anxious to see what happens in this market in Iowa. Evidence that consumers are buying increased amounts of honey products is apparent in the following sales chart for 1992. Honey product sales are listed by category, noting the largest sales increase in honey peanut butters and salad dressings. Honey grahams continue to hold the largest volume share. (Sales Chart) SHAKE UP YOUR SUMMER WITH HONEY Here are a couple of cool cummer beverages to try using honey! BANANA YOGURT SHAKE 1-1/2 cups lowfat milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 medium, ripe bananas, peeled 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup plain yogurt Dash ground nutmeg 1/4 cup honey 5 ice cubes Combine all ingredients except ice cubes in blender and blend until thick and creamy. Add ice cubes one at a time and blend until smooth. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired. Makes 4 servings. (Tip: Vanilla yogurt can be substituted for plain yogurt and vanilla extract.) ICED MEXICAN CHOCOLATE 2 squares (2 oz.) unsweetened 1/3 cup honey chocolate, melted* 3 cups lowfat milk 1/2 teaspoon each grated orange Ice cubes peel and ground cinnamon Microcook chocolate in large liquid measure at HIGH (100%) 2 minutes or until chocolate is melted; stir in honey. Microcook at HIGH 30 seconds. Slowly stir in milk until well blended. Stir in orange peel and ground cinnamon. Pour over ice in serving glasses. Makes 4 servings. *Four tablespoons cocoa can be substituted. HONEY BOARD OFFERS NEW RECIPE LEAFLET Bread and spreads made with honey are featured in the National Honey Board's new recipe leaflet pictured on the cover of THE BUZZ this month. The recipes are delicious and easy to whip up--Honey Blueberry Spread, Spiced Honey Butter, Honey Currant Scones, Easy Honey Muffins and Honey Cream Cheese Icing. The leaflet is ready for your next local promotion, state fair or to insert with your honey package. Beekeeping associations and supporters of the National Honey Board can order up to 500 recipe brochures free of charge. Additional brochures are available at 5 cents each. To order your brochures, write the National Honey Board, 421 21st Ave., #203, Longmont, CO 80501. Or, you may call Tina Tindall at (303) 776-2337. AMERICAN HONEY PRINCESS REPORT June - the month I'm finished with finals, back in Iowa and plenty of honey promotions. I'm very excited to be back home and have many activities planned for the summer. In the past few weeks, I've been talking to grade school classes at WACO Community Schools and giving newspaper and radio interviews. With the children, my focus has been to introduce them to a honey bee's world, and stress the importance of honey bees to mankind. In my interviews, I've been emphasizing that honey is not restricted to toast anymore--its very versatile. At the end of April, I presented honey bees, honey and beekeeping to Spanish speaking children in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The children enjoyed honey samples, the video What's Buzzin'", learning about the tasks of honey bees, and the coloring books they were given. One of the girls asked, "Did you have to wear a swimming suit at your Honey Queen competition?" Activities like these make this title just as glamours as it sounds. Although challenging at times, I'm enjoying my responsibilities as Honey Princess, and I'm looking forward to many more opportunities this summer and fall. I want to emphasize again that I'm interested in helping any way I can--from a county fair to contacting media. Feel free to ask for my assistance--I would be happy to help! -Heather Pomeroy, 1993 American Honey Princess HONEYS OF THE WEST PRESENTED TO SUNSET The National Honey Board arranged a honey tasting for the food editors of Sunset magazine in April. "We wanted the editors to appreciate the many different flavors and forms of honey," said Mary Humann, marketing director for the National Honey Board. Varieties presented included: Alaskan Fireweed, Buckwheat, California Wild Buckwheat, Clover, Eucalyptus, Lehua, Macadamia Nut, Mesquite, Orange Blossom, Safflower, Sage, Star Thistle and Tupelo. The editors sampled these varieties as well as comb and creamed honey. FOR SALE: 3 2-story colonies. Call Gene Cluney in Pleasant Hill phone: (515) 265-2819. FOR SALE: 26 2-story colonies on H-frame hive stands, all queenright $70 each, 64 - 6 5/58 supers on drawn comnb $10 each, all excellent equipment. Total price $2460 (Sold as a unit). Call Dan Mihal in Dubuque at (319) 582-8841 FOR SALE: 10 2-story colonies and 20 single story colonies, 70 medium depth supers, 24-frame extractor, wax melter, honey tank, queen excluders and lots of other misc. beekeeping equipment. Call Giffin Andrew at (515) 773-5471 in Grand River, Iowa. 1993 BID SHEET FOR HONEY TO BE SOLD AT THE IOWA STATE FAIR SALES BOOTH Bid on any or all items (state quantity you will supply and bid price) 8 oz. jars--light honey_________________________________________ 1 lb. jars--light honey_________________________________________ 1 lb. jars combination--light honey (liquid & comb together)__________________________________ 2 lb. jars--light honey_________________________________________ 5 lb. jars--light honey_________________________________________ Gallons--light honey____________________________________________ Antique jars--4 oz._____________________________________________ 1 lb._____________________________________________ 12 oz. bears--light honey_______________________________________ 2 lb. bears--light honey________________________________________ 1 lb. skep--light honey_________________________________________ Creamed honey--Regular__________________________________________ Cinnamon_________________________________________ Hard Candy--Multiple flavors____________________________________ Honey Stix--(Honey in plastic straws)___________________________ Beeswax bars-(1 oz.), (1.5 oz.), or (1 lb.)_____________________ Beeswax candles--dipped or poured_______________________________ Beeswax-other items_____________________________________________ Cut Comb Honey__________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Note: We need a substantial supply of cut comb honey in plastic boxes and section comb honey. This item is usually in short supply and thus bidding doesn't make sense. We will pay $1.90 per unit. Please inform us if you can supply comb honey._________________________________________________________ Honey from all suppliers must be 1993 crop Iowa Honey with 18.5% or less moisture content and excellent overall quality. Winning bids will be based on price, quality and ability to provide required quantity of product when needed. Suppliers will be provided labels at no cost. Bids must be received by June 10, 1993. Please sign the bid sheet and provide address and phone numbers. NAME ADDRESS PHONE ( ) RETURN TO: W. John Johnson RR 4, Squaw Valley Ames, Iowa 50010 (515) 232-6094 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 25 Jun 1993 17:58:59 +0100 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: malcolm roe Subject: Re: Xylocopa damage to blueberry? In-Reply-To: <0096E8DD.2C9CFA20.8057@NSRSKE.AGR.CA> from "Kenna MacKenzie" at Jun 25, 93 12:31:53 pm Kenna MacKenzie writes: > I would appreciate help in solving a bit of a puzzle regarding > blossom damage to highbush blueberry. Last week I received a > call from a grower who had noticed that honey bees were foraging > from holes near the base of the corolla. I've often seen this on runner bean flowers, with honey bees gaining access to the nectar through small neat holes. The holes could well have been made by bumble bees - we have plenty of them here (SE England) - but I've never seen them, or any other creatures, doing it. It doesn't seem to harm the development of the beans. -- Malcolm Roe Phone : +44 442 230000 ext 4104 Crosfield Electronics Ltd Fax : +44 442 232301 Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP2 7RH, UK E-mail : roe@crosfield.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 25 Jun 1993 16:58:15 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Peter Kevan Subject: Re: Research Network, Apiculture/Sustainable Development In-Reply-To: Message of Fri, 25 Jun 1993 07:21:01 GMT-1 from We will keep you posted. It's all very embryonic yet. Thanks, Peter ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 25 Jun 1993 17:01:38 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Peter Kevan Subject: Re: Xylocopa damage to blueberry? In-Reply-To: Message of Fri, 25 Jun 1993 12:31:53 -0400 from I have seen lots of Xylocopa holes in flowers of highbush blueberries in Ontario. I watched the bees make the holes with an audible crunching sound. Only one species gets into Ontario and its range seems to stop just south of Guelph. It appears to be an insect of the Carolinian zone and can be quite abundant. I don't know whether or not they would enter Nova Scotia. Cheers, Peter ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 26 Jun 1993 10:29:05 -0400 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Chris Plowright Subject: Who's been biting holes in Kenna's flowers? From: plowright@csi.uottawa.ca Dear Kenna: Your query about hole-biting in highbush blueberries seems to have caught us all off guard: I, for one, did not know before I read your message that anybody grew highbush blueberries in Nova Scotia! On the whole, I would put my money on Bombus terricola as the source of your holes. It, together with affinis and occidentalis (and a few other minor species), are members of the subgenus Bombus sensu stricto, and all of them (as with the European members of the same subgenus) are enthusiastic hole-biters. They even have specially "notched" mandibles which have been considered adaptations for this same purpose. I don't have records that B. affinis occurs in your newly adopted province (and occidentalis is purely a western species), but terricola is common as the proverbial merde . . . We watched, in Michigan, both B. affinis and Xylocopa virginica (or should it be "virginiana"? please forgive my sloppy taxonomy) biting holes on the highbush blueberry variety "Jersey" this spring. Kristy Ciruna, one of the members of our field team, recorded that the bees gave a distinctive "crunching" sound when they were carrying out their evil deeds. I will ask Kristy when I next see her (she is currently working on lowbush blueberry pollination near Lac-St-Jean) whether the holes that affinis bites resemble the slits produced by Xylocopa. The ecological and economic significance of hole-biting on blueberries is a matter of debate: on the one hand, it is certainly the case that honeybees use the slits to "rob" nectar from the flower, but on the other, pollen-collecting bees (which, from our results this spring seem to be doing about 99% of the pollination) usually ignore the holes entirely. Also, it must be remembered that female Xylocopa (and bumble bees too, of course) are highly effective pollen foragers on blueberr- ies--so along the lines of my previous sentence, it may be that their pollination more than compensates for any indirect effect that they have on honeybees. I'm sure that we will have this information within the next year or two. More subtle is the effect which hole-biting may (possibly) have on the working speed of legitimate pollinators: in rabbiteye blueberries espec- ially, the working speed of bumble bees is sometimes extremely slow because of the fact that nectar accumulates in prodigious amounts within the flowers (honeybees can't easily reach withing the corrolae of some rabbiteye cultivars), so they sit for quite a while gorging themselves on each flower. So, the argument goes (and it isn't mine, I may say), if the honeybees are able to use the slits made by the Xylocopas to lower the average amount of nectar in the flowers, then the bumble bees will work faster and pollinate more flowers!! Unfortunately, it is quite likely that this argument is really a pile of the aforementioned merde, because we are beginning to find more and more that the only really effective pollinators on Vaccinium are those which are actually foraging for pollen: and these, as indicated earlier, don't seem to take much notice of the holes . . . I hope that I have written enough to convey to you my enthusiasm on the subject of hole-biting. Certainly, as first-year graduate students are wont to write at the end of their first manuscript submitted for publication: "Much more research needs to be done in this fascinating area!". Now if only those who hold the purse-strings would get the message . . . Best regards, Chris Plowright. -- Chris Plowright - via the University of Ottawa Return addresses: via INTERNET: plowright@csi.uottawa.ca via UUCP : ...uunet!mitel!cunews!csi2!uplow!chris ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1993 15:27:48 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "John P. Wrosch" Subject: stings REPRINTED FROM: MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND COMMERCE BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY P.O. BOX 5207 MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS APRIL, 1993 The following is an interesting and need-to-know article printed in the Maryland Beekeeping newsletter with the permission of the author. It is taken from the book "Understanding Prescription Drugs", by Dorthy L. Smith, Pharm D., pp. 270 and 271; Reference: British Medical Journal 292:378, 1986. DID YOU KNOW THAT? Beekeepers should think twice before taking some anti-inflammatory drugs. The drugs may reverse their immunity to bee stings. During the last few years, several new nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been developed to relieve pain and reduce stiffness, swelling and joint pain associated with inflammation. Such drugs include ibuprofen, fenoprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, sulindac, piroxicam, suprofen and tolmetin. It is well known that beekeepers develop an immunity to bee stings and it has been reported that some people get temporary relief from the pain of arthritis if they sustain several bee stings. Two cases have recently been reported of people with an immunity to bee stings taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and suffering serious allergic reactions to bee and wasp stings. A 66-year old beekeeper had developed an apparent immunity to bee stings over six years. She was prescribed a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug for osteoarthrosis. A few months after taking the drug, she was stung on the wrists while working around the beehives and within 15 minutes developed heart palpitations, a rash and swelling of the mouth and tounge, making it difficult for her to breath. She stopped taking the drug and 48 hours later when she was stung again, she developed no reaction. Another report describes the 48-year old wife of a beekeeper who had been taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug for five months for osteoarthritis. She had previously had only skin reactions to wasp stings but one day she developed widespread swelling, red, itchy rash, heart palpitations and shortness of breath within two minutes of being stung by a wasp. Hospitalization was necessary. Until more is learned about the reason for these reactions, beekeepers should be aware of potential hazards associated with these drugs and bee stings. John P. Wrosch E.A.S. Master Beekeeper USERSXK0@UMICHUM ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1993 18:29:48 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "La Reine de la Cite' des Phoques (Liz Day)" Subject: animal predators of bee nests I frequently read that skunks, bears, and various other mammals and some birds will plunder bee nests and eat everything despite the bees' attempts at defense. Yet these accounts never explain why these animals are not mortally stung, or how they are different from other animals that do not attack nests. I have been wondering this for years; does anyone out there know the answer? Obviously, the bees can't sting through heavy fur, but as far as I can see, the eyes and nose are exposed, and I would think animals could ill afford injury to these parts! baffled, Liz Day University of Illinois at Chicago day@eecs.uic.edu