This is a follow up in case anyone is interested.
 
I visited the apiary today and found that the Apidea was completely
empty. No bees, No Candy, No queen.... even the stored honey in the
frames was gone. It looked as though something may have hatched out of
the cell because there was a nice little round hole chewed in the
bottom. However, I did notice that there was also a hole on the *inside*
of the "queen" cell (i.e. between the cell and the comb) and I was
wondering if the bees themselves had torn the cell down or whether this
damage had occurred after emergence. Any comments ?
 
This has certainly been a great learning experience for me and I would
like to thank all of you who have contributed to the discussion.
 
Many Thanks,
 
 
- Paul -
 
--
Paul Walton
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78 Russell Road, Toddington, Bedfordshire, England.
Tel. +44 (0)1525 875570