>Clipped queens will try to fly, but often wander out into the long grass from which they may find their way back into the hive - or not.

In no way scientific evidence of anything or even a refute of Peter's statement but it recalls an interesting event I had some years back. I had a $500 breeder swarm on me due to an overlooked cell in the lower box. I use the Cloak board method. She was number marked and clipped. I did not even know it at the time but when I got back to the yard there was a swarm in the tree the usual 100 meters or so off and 10' off the ground. Imagine my surprise and great relief to find  the young beauty in the swarm. I started her over in the same swarm and she went on for 2 more years of successful production. My belief is that clipping is mostly identification insurance in the event that a mark is removed or wears out. I would not depend on it to prevent flight.

Paul Hosticka
Dayton WA

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