>
> >perhaps we are asking the wrong question. Maybe the question should be:
> how long will the queen refrain from laying eggs. It seems obvious that the
> cue for shutting down is very strong, cessation of forage and/or onset of
> cold weather. However, she may simply restart after a given period
> (diapause?).


I like parsimonious explanations!  What would need to be confirmed is
whether it is the queen who begins laying eggs, or whether it is the nurses
that stop consuming them and start feeding them.

-- 
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com

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