In a message dated 96-04-27 12:07:56 EDT, you write:
 
> just ordered 2 Starline Queens on the advice of a friend. Can
>anyone tell me anything about this type of queen?
>--
>***************************
>* Charles (Rick) Grubbs   *
>* [log in to unmask]       *
>* Douglasville, Ga SE USA *
>*
 
The Starline Queen is a cross of two Inbred lines of  bees. The crossing of
the two inbred lines result in a Queen with increased heterosis or hybrid
vigor. The lines of bees are selected on the basis of egg laying. Both of the
lines used this year have very high rates of lay. The Lines are also selected
to lay late into the year as well as starting to lay early in the spring. At
the present time these two traits are required by the large commercial
beekeepers. Different lines are used in the crosses each year. Also different
lines are selected for different things.
 
We are at present looking at Hygienic lines as well as lines to be resistant
to the mites. It is easier to select lines to accomplish one thing than it is
to select lines to do everything. We can then cross the resulting superior
lines. We then evaluate the lines for egg hatch, honey production etc.
 
After the preliminary studies and crosses are done. The stock holders of
Hybri-Bees come and select the crosses that will be used the following year.
The stock holders of Hybri-Bees represent some of the largest bee operations
in the United States. I personally feel that the contributions and experience
provided in the selection of stock by the stock holders of Hybri-Bees is one
the greatest assets in the whole of the corporation. Given the talent and the
large number of colonies to chose from every year makes finding the best bees
possible. The total number of hives operated by the stock holders is in
excess of 75000 Colonies. In addition to those colonies there is also a large
group of beekeepers who buy Starline breeders and raise their own queens.  If
everything works out we then sell the resulting Hybrid Breeder Queens to
enterprises such as York Bee Company.
Adee Honey Co., too name a few.
 
Should anyone need any other information on the Starline, Midnight or
ARS-Y-C-1 Yugo stocks please feel free and email me direct or call I will be
glad to answer as time permits.
 
Dean M. Breaux
Executive Vice President
Hybri-Bees "Breeding Better Bees"
11140 Fernway Lane
Dade City, Florida 33525
(352)521-0164
email Hybri bees @aol.com