In message  <[log in to unmask]> [log in to unmask] writes:
> Please, anyone:
> If a hive is truly queenless, even if for only a very short time,
> will workers continue bringing in pollen?
> Put another way:
> If workers are seen carrying pollen into the hive, can you assume
> that colony is queenright?
> Thanks in anticipation.
> Dave <[log in to unmask]>
 
I don't think you can safely make an assumption like that.  Whilst  they
have  brood  they  will  certainly continue to bring in pollen.  Even if
that brood is worker-laid drone I would expect them to do the same.   My
guess therefore  is  that  they would continue to bring in pollen for at
least 9 days after loss of the queen (i.e.  until everything is  capped)
and probably for longer to maintain reserves.
 
If you think they're queenless, probably the best (but not perfect) test
is  to give them a frame of brood all stages.  If they're queenless they
will almost certainly start drawing emergency queen cells.
 
Regards,
--
Gordon Scott    [log in to unmask]         100332,3310 on CompuServe
Newsletter      [log in to unmask]      ditto
                Beekeeper, Kendo Sandan, sometime sailor.
                Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG22 5HP, UK