> Although queens have a 3–4 year adult lifespan, diminished longevity of queens (<1 year) is commonly and increasingly observed.
> Says who? 

I cited Dave Tarpy and Juliana Rangel, both of whom studied in Tom Seeley's Lab. The point is not whether queens live for 3, 4, or 7 years. It's if they fail the first year or croak in midwinter. Also, if you are trying to maintain a particular type and they quickly supersede, you aren't getting what you paid for.

PLB

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