View Full Version : What is this?
CWBees
09-10-2006, 06:15 PM
Looked at one of the frames that came with a Carniolan nuc that I purch in the spring today and is has cells filled up with what looks likes black propolis. What is the reason for this?
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i91/beekeeper_2006/IMG_0318.jpg
This hive also had queen cells that I cut out which I was suprised to see this time of year.
[ September 10, 2006, 07:17 PM: Message edited by: CWBees ]
tecumseh
09-10-2006, 08:03 PM
look like they are constructing a set of drone cells at the center of the picture. the frame is quickly being plugged with pollen. I would hope not to find this at the center of the cluster, but more towards the outside walls. the wax will turn dark (and darker) when several molts of bees have emerged. looks like there may have been reminants of an old queen cell at the bottom of the picture.... maybe.
Edward G
09-10-2006, 08:03 PM
In your photo, I see what looks like old drone cells surrounded by worker cells filled with yellow pollen. Maybe somebody else could say more?
CWBees
09-10-2006, 08:17 PM
At the center of the picture there is cells that are filled with black propolis. These cells are unusable. Why did they do this? Where they trying to seal of foulbrood or something?
You see this in old comb if it is wax and not straight it is too shallow for drone and they make these spots. Or could be where a mite strip was hung years ago Time to rotate it out next spring .