> I read on the Queensland industry department web site
> (http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/bees/4894.html) that white is the coolest color
> in summer and the warmest in winter. I understand it is the coolest but
how
> can it be the warmest ?
>
> Hervé
>

    I remember this vaguely from physics lessons at school. A black body both
absorbs and radiates heat with the maximum efficiency; white will both tend
to reflect it, thus staying cool in the summer, and radiate it poorly, thus
retaining heat longer in winter. Whether this makes much difference to a
beehive I can't say, as I live in a decidedly temperate climate where neither
problem is likely to arise.



Regards,

Robert Brenchley
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Birmingham UK