Ive been keeping bees for 3 years and been really interested in queens and mating and how to tell the difference in queens in different stages. What ive learned from my own experience and from reading is: Yes, a queen that is mated is more plump. They almost look like they are going to bust. Also, a mated queen will have a good around her. A virgin queen is 1.) usually running around the hive frantically and they hide alot. 2) Has no or very little retinue. 3.) May be long but are usually slimmer.
Another thing I've learned is, a queen will take numerous mating flights so if you are watching her closely and checking often (which is not recommended during mating) is that their retinue will grow as they make more mating flights and as their pheromones build. There seems to be a direct link in the number of times a queen is mated during the week she takes mating flights, and the amount of pheromones she puts out.
So if you watch her carefully, you should be able to spot the difference. Not to mention, there will be visible eggs in cells very shortly after she is mated.
Hope this helps !
Steve
Another thing I've learned is, a queen will take numerous mating flights so if you are watching her closely and checking often (which is not recommended during mating) is that their retinue will grow as they make more mating flights and as their pheromones build. There seems to be a direct link in the number of times a queen is mated during the week she takes mating flights, and the amount of pheromones she puts out.
So if you watch her carefully, you should be able to spot the difference. Not to mention, there will be visible eggs in cells very shortly after she is mated.
Hope this helps !
Steve
