Keith Delaplane (Georgia) and the International Bee Research
     Association (U.K.) both have published considerable amounts of
     information regarding bumblebees (or humblebees as they are sometimes
     called in the U.K.); articles have appeared in ABJ and/ or Gleanings
     (Bee Culture). Larry Connor (Wicwas Press) stocks at least one
     book(let) on bumblebees. Wood shavings are mentioned as being an
     attractant in nest prepared for bumblebee use. Can't imagine that
     honeybee larva are any enticement to nectar/ pollen users such as
     Bombus is.
     Barry Thompson
     Rockville, MD
 
 
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: Bombus laying eggs
Author:  Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology
<[log in to unmask]> at INTERNET
Date:    3/23/98 7:06 PM
 
 
she will need attractive (to her) nesting materials.  Some species of bombus
seek out old mouse nests in which to start their own nests.  This might be a
good start. You could experimentally add a few very young or emerging
honeybees.  It is possible that they might forage and thus enable the bombus
to expand her brood nest faster than if left to herself.
Today I saw some bumble bees seeking nest sites.  I might try this myself.
Chris Slade