George, Bob and All, It seems like the term should be "spent drone" for one that has mated and will die. That's as in "his strength was all spent" or "his load of sperm was spent". Once it's spent, it's gone. Layne Westover, College Station, Texas >>> [log in to unmask] 12/13/03 6:52 PM >>> In a message dated 12/12/03 11:30:03 PM, [log in to unmask] writes: << On the lighter side: And so then prior to mating a drone would be called "VIRGIN DRONE" or "DRONE" What then would we refer to the disemboweled drone which may live up to 12 hours on the ground? :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::