I have read in a couple of books and believe to have seen it that emerging bees may sometimes be small but they all feed on pollen and continue to grow to average size. Waldemar Long Island, NY =================== > I also notice a variation in size of bees raised in the same size cells but > honestly never noticed a seasonal difference until you now point it out. I have noticed this variation over the years and put it down to nutrition. When nutrition and available nurse bees are plentiful, nice size bees. When nutrition is low and the nurse bee's protein levels in their body drop because of this, then smaller bees. Not nourished as much. Comments! :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::