> 
> 
> Not sure about moot Geoff.  I was recently discussing this with another
> researcher, and brought up the observation that Primorsky Russian bees are
> known for maintaining numerous butts (we typically call them "cups"),

We make, or used to make cups.  The bees make butts ;-)

 and
> frequently start rearing and then tear down supersedure queens.  The
> Russians appear to like to keep developing queens "in reserve."  This
> aspect of behavior deserves further study.

I have occasionally seen the same with swarm cells.  Possibly because the
honey flow started in earnest.  One of our native social bees has virgin
queens in waiting.
 
Geoff Manning

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