Bob wrote:
 The researchers I have spoke with say the "winter bees" will live up to 120
> days and the summer bees fed as bees do in the summer will be dead by 
> spring
> if not much sooner.
>
> Hope the above helps and I would love to hear others methods and opinions 
> on
> this little discussed subject of beekeeping.
>

Bob, I think it would be a fascinating experiment to color code(or number) 
bees at staggered intervals during the fall-perhaps even in an observation 
hive(s)
You could monitor later in the year or the next year.
If you or anybody else has any comments on this I also would love to hear. I 
have number 2 daughter working bees w/me for awhile and she  loves this kind 
of stuff, and would be an eager assistant for a well designed 
experiment.Frankly it sounds like fun.
I bet Mr Oliver would have some good comments on this.

John Horton

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