Reply to:   RE>Re: Painting Queen?
 
 I might add that some brands of correcting fluid were actually quite dangerous
to humans too.
 
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Date: 1/27/95 9:03
To: Bill Fernihough
From: Discussion oB Biology
   A caution re correcting-fluid marking of queens:
 
   10 or so years ago we had queen marking as a demonstration topic at a
   field day. We had several bottles of correcting fluid and had people
   practise marking drones or workers.
 
   The method requires only clean fingers, some dexterity and some paint.
   With the right hand, the queen is picked off the frame, holding both
   fore-wings if possible. She is then held against the raised left index
   finger, and at least 2 legs are gripped gently aginst the index finger,
   with the left thumb. She is now securely held by the left hand. The
   wings are released and the right hand is free to apply a spot of paint
   to the top center of the thorax. (At this point one realizes that the
   little paint bottle should have been unscrewed before the left hand is
   committed to holding the precious queen, but some learn to think ahead).
   I've found the little car touch-up paints (laquer) fine for marking.
   Fast-drying hobby paints: the older "airplane dope" solvent type, or the
   newer acrylic water based, are also OK, as long as the paint is a bit
   dry before the queen is returned (1 or 2 minutes).
 
   Re the correcting fluid and the field day: 3 or 4 people at a time were
   practicing marking drones and workers. After marking, the bees would fly
   away. But soon people started noticing the marked bees lying on their
   backs, wings buzzing but legs in the air. Some of these bees died. The
   brand of correcting fluid was different from that found satisfactory
   earlier. I think perhaps the bad fluid was the one made for photo copies
   (a different solvent).
 
   So before you try correcting fluid to mark a valuable queen, practice on
   some expendable bees, and make sure they aren't harmed.
 
   Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist
   B.C. Ministry of Agriculture
   1201 103 Ave
   Dawson Creek B.C.
        V1G 4J2  CANADA          Tel (604) 784-2225     fax (604) 784-2299
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