> ...A shiny glossy black paint can have a lower emissivity than a
> dull rough white paint...

It seems to me that this problem is sufficiently complex *thoretically*,
at least, that experiment is the logical way to determine the truth.

Radio Shack sells inexpensive hi/low remote reading recording
thermometers that can be placed in light and dark boxes simulating bee
hives, or even bee hives without bees (bees would confound the issue of
whether one box is hotter or colder by trying to manage the heat flow).

After a few days of monitoring temperatures, the trends would be obvious
for the particular materials and configurations chosen.  Comparison of
replications by several unrelated individuals at different sites with
random paints and woods and floor/lid combinations would settle once and
for all whether a simple statement that dark hives are warmer than light
coloured hives is generally true.  I personally believe it is.

As someone said, "It obviously works in practice, but can it work in
theory?".

Here's an easy chance for list members to stop guessing and
hypothesising and do a little (rough) science.

allen