In a message dated 01/09/2005 05:05:16 GMT Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

>
> Could you explain a few other benefits of the drone besides mating?
>
> When listening to some beekeepers explaining the role of the drone to the
> general public or a new beekeeper I hear all to often that there sole
> purpose is to mate with the queens. I think they have other roles in
> addition.
>
Some weeks ago when there were still plenty of drones around I had one hive
that had very many of them.  When patting them aside to see what was in the
comb they were sitting on I noticed that they were very much warmer to the hand
than if one does a similar action with workers.  Could they have some role in
climate control within the hive?

Chris

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