On Tue, 23 Jan 1996, T.G. Paschall, Jr. wrote:
 
> >Gordy Allen-Wardell wrote:
> >......Bees in this part of the world don't build nests on exposed
> >limbs.........
>
>
> A swarm of bees built three combs (about 12 x 18 inches)on the underside of
> the limb near the trunk. They drew out the combs and then disappeared. I
> removed the combs and found none capped, no larvae, and as far as I could
> tell, no eggs.
>
 
Thomas,
What you probably saw was where a swarm had rested for several days while
in search of a more appropriate site.
 
Beleive it or not that much comb can be produced in 2-3 days.
then when a suitable nesting site is found they move on.
 
Sometimes the bees don't find anything better and will stay exposed.
A local DPW crew pointed out a hive on an oak tree  attached to a limb 60
foot up ~ 15ft. from the trunk of the tree.  The hive was about18"x18"x20".
It seemed to be doing fine until winter came along.  Natural selection in
action.
 
John Spaulding          Associate Curator, Wildlife Center
[log in to unmask]        New England Science Center