[Dave W]

Greetings . . .

On my sticky-board, I find the "normal" rows of "coffee-grain" size particles. But, also find a small area (1"x1-1/2") of very fine, lighter colored, almost "dust-like" wax. This spot stands out from the much larger particles that covers the whole sticky-board.

Whats going on?

 

[Jim Fischer]

From the description, it sounds like you have
a group of young bees clustered over the spot
with the lighter, finer "dust" that are drawing
wax scales from their wax glands.

It is amazing how many of the wax scales drop
unnoticed, and go to waste. The larger bits
of wax are cappings and other "junk" torn off
the comb by the bees in their normal day-to-day
operations.

Here's a very good photo Zach took of wax scales
"on the bee", to give them some reference as to
size:
http://photo.bees.net/gallery/photos/abdomen/wax_scales.jpg

 

[Dave W]

Its my understanding that wax scales are clear. Why would a cluster of young bees create a PILE of wax scales in one spot? This patch of "dust" is lighter TAN than the usual darker tan of debris.

 

[DCH]

Could it be from a wax moth larvae? Seems to me that I see lots of piles of wax "dust" when an uprotected super has been sitting in the shed and has gotten infested.

Just a thought...

Cheers,
Doug