At this time of the year - mid-October - the temperatures here on Long Island are in the high 60's F and low 70's F. Last weekend I found one of my hives with an unmarked queen and no eggs. I also saw a number of torn down queen cells. Since I mark all my queens, this is a virgin queen. I have heard different opinions about what temperatures are needed for for a virgin to go out on mating flights. Are low 70's high enough or is this virgin doomed? I still see drones in my hives. Thank you! Waldemar PS. I have a spare laying queen in a nuc I was planning to overwinter per Mike Palmer's procedure but this virgin looked so big and strong it would be great to have her head up that colony. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::