Pete, the dietary restriction hypothesis is certainly of interest.
However, workers go into the diutinus state even in hives loaded with
beebread and honey, which does not appear to support the hypothesis. It
appears that the beta-ocimene hypothesis may be a more parsimonious
explanation. I also suspect that the odor of fresh incoming pollen (and
perhaps nectar) may have something to do with it.
--
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com
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