Hi Everyone, The bees were able to fly a little bit so I captured another round of photos and have measured them for December. Averages Large Sept Oct Nov Dec 1.37 1.31 1.29 1.33 length 0.96 0.94 0.93 0.96 wing 0.45 0.38 0.37 0.35 thorax 0.46 0.46 0.47 0.45 abdomen Averages Small Cell Hives Sept Oct Nov Dec 1.32 1.29 1.31 1.32 length 0.92 0.91 0.93 0.92 wing 0.45 0.35 0.37 0.34 thorax 0.45 0.45 0.47 0.43 abdomen The large cell bees are generally slightly bigger than the small cell sized bees. Both the thorax and the abdomen measurements decreased for both cell sizes. Single Hive Averages Large Cell Hive Sept Oct Nov Dec 1.45 1.44 1.29 1.36 length 1.04 0.97 0.93 0.98 wing 0.42 0.37 0.37 0.37 thorax 0.46 0.46 0.47 0.45 abdomen Single Hive Averages Large Cell Hive Sept Oct Nov Dec 1.38 1.39 1.31 1.32 length 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.90 wing 0.40 0.35 0.37 0.34 thorax 0.45 0.45 0.47 0.44 abdomen With the limited amount of bee flight, it's harder to get enough properly oriented bees in the photos. Some sample sizes were smaller this time. With such marginal weather the bees tend to make quick flights and return to the cluster. Few loitter at the entrance. I have tried to coax them out by disturbing the entrance. But the bees that come out are in a defensive posture and attack the ruler. Very few are suitable for measuring. I initially chose the photographic approach because it was quick and easy. It also allowed me to measure living bees. Another approach, that might be interesting, would be to collect bee parts and allow them to dry in a dessicator. The individual parts could be accurately measured and compared. The problems with getting enough bees properly oriented to avoid visual errors would be eliminated. But drying may introduce it's own set of errors. Some Thoughts Dennis :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::