In a message dated 5/20/2005 12:12:14 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
What do beekeepers think?  What percentage of them accept the
assumption that one can grab a bee, attach something to its body,
release it, and then expect it to go on its way as if nothing had
happened?  In my experience, such a bee would fly an escape path and
would not likely continue a previously "programmed" behavior.  Those
interested in what recruited bees normally might do after leaving the
hive can access:
I saw this study (or one like it) on one of the science channels.  The
researchers attached the transponders to bumble bees.  The device is similar to one
I use in a termite baiting system.  Considering that it contains 1) a coil to
charge the unit from the base unit, 2) a microprocessor to identify itself
from other transponders, and 3) a device to transmit the information back to the
base unit, it has a lot of hardware contained in a little package.

The transponders I use resemble hockey pucks and are about 1" across.  The
ones I saw in the study are tiny, but not small enough to be carried by honey
bees.  When these units can be further reduced it the weight of about drop of
paint, I don't believe the bees would have too much of an issue with them.

Jim Hock
Wethersfield, CT

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