In a message dated 30/10/03 05:02:52 GMT Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> The two critical items in my opinion for raising queens that are most
> temperature/weather depended are good populations of drones (which can be
> stimulated by early feeding), and proper flight weather for mating,  69
> degrees or higher and relatively calm days (which you have no control over).


In the UK we usually reckon on 64 degrees being the minimum necessary
temperature.  Some springs may go for weeks without attaining it and yet it is
reported (by Ron Brown I think) that a brief period above that temperature is
sufficient to get queens mated.  Possibly mongrels with more Amm can get away with
lower temperatures.  Have there been any studies done on racial differences in
mating temperatures?

Chris

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