> I'd be curious to hear discussion on the fine points of absorbent vs
nonabsorbent insulation above the cluster.

Continuing...

You can see the ice on the plastic pillow in the pictures at
http://www.honeybeeworld.com/diary/articles/WrappingJan2010.htm

The bees cuddle right up to the dry, insulated pillow, and there is
frost or even ice on it just centimetres away from them.  No problem.

You can see how they build wax to the plastic.  The pillow reflects
their own heat back to them even in the coldest weather.

If the lid were absorptive and damp, the bees would be in constant
contact with moisture they could not control.  Not good IMO, but that
works for some, I'm told..

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