Seems pretty clear that the *average maximum* would be something like 50,000, that colonies over this figure are not common. This, under optimal conditions.

> Adult honeybee colonies exhibit an inherent annual cycle of development which is modified by the variability of the seasons. The most obvious feature was the abundant adult population which grew rapidly producing maximal numbers of nearly 40 000 in early July although colonies with maxima of over 50 000 and one with 61 500 were observed.

Growth and Decline of Honeybee Colonies and Inter-Relationships of Adult Bees, Brood, Honey and Pollen
A. R. McLellan, Journal of Applied Ecology, Vol. 15, No. 1 (Apr., 1978), pp. 155-161

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