Date: Dec 10 2000 09:31:24 EST
From: "deelusbybeekeeper" <deelusbybeekeeper@excelonline.com>
Subject: Re: Queens relation to cell size

Hi to all on the Biological Beekeeping List:

Please see annotations below:

Barry wrote:

> My question, is there a maximum range of cell size that a queen
> can/will lay in?

No, not really as pertains to both worker and drone cell size.

> Since these queens went from laying in 5.4 mm cell size to 4.9 mm cell
> size, I wonder if the queens had previously been on 5.6 mm cell size if
> they would have any problem using the 4.9 size.

No, not really. Queens and bees shaken down onto drawnout comb of 4.9 size having previously layed in 5.6 mm size brood combs would have no problem laying in the smaller size if no other size is available and presented to her.

> Would there have to be a supercedure along the way or not.

Again, no. Not until the queen is ready to supercede naturally.

Sincerely,

Dee A. Lusby
Tucson, Arizona, USA