>
> >The problem is, we don't have any proof that supersedure is "caused" by
> this. You would think that the colony would supersede under these
> circumstances
>
You're absolutely right Pete. QMP is generally a "true" signal of ovarian
status; one would reasonably expect queens that can't attract a retinue to
be superseded. However, QMP may not reflect sperm viability.
>
> >Nobody knows how supersedure is initiated. Some colonies supersede
> apparently "good" queens, whereas others fail to supersede even after the
> queen becomes a drone layer and is completely shot.
>
We have all noticed that honey bees delight in making exceptions to the
"rules."
>
> > I think that swarming is also based upon her reproductive state. Again,
> no proof.
I suspect more due to the state of the colony than of the queen.
--
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com
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