[Denon Carpenter]

How old can larva be before it is to late for them to be turned in to queens. I've read 3 days. If this is so what are the distinguishing characteristics of 3 day old larva? Size, appearance, etc..

 

[Countryboy]

You want eggs, not larva. Eggs hatch at 3 days, and become larva.

The egg leans over and ends up laying on its side in the royal jelly. When it hatches into a larva, it will appear as a small imperfection in the pool of royal jelly. This is the stage most people graft at.

Appearance wise, if you can easily see a larva, it is too late. If you want the bees to make a queen, give them an egg to work with.

 

[Michael Palmer]

You want eggs, not larva. If you want the bees to make a queen, give them an egg to work with.

Are you grafting eggs, or just adding comb with eggs?

 

[Countryboy]

I meant adding combs with eggs if you want the bees to make their own queen.

No, you don't graft eggs. You graft that tiny imperfection in the royal jelly pool. It's not an egg anymore, and is technically a larva - but by the time my bad eyes can see a definite larva, it is too old to use to make a queen.

 

[Michael Palmer]

but by the time my bad eyes can see a definite larva, it is too old to use to make a queen.

Get some jeweler's glasses. You'll be amazed how well you can see a 12 hr old larva.