>
> >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be superseded.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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