> Early on, they may attempt to conserve resources by using less wax, hence 
> making smaller cells,

> Smaller cells = more cells = more wax?

Less wax per cell; that is, less resources per bee. Drone comb tends to be heavier, too, I would say, as it has to be able to support more weight (since it is used also for honey storage), so it would require more wax per cell and also, per comb. 

And no, I have no data on this

PLB

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