In a message dated 16/06/05 18:12:35 GMT Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes: <<I ask this because I've heard/read that colonies headed smaller queens sometimes outproduce other colonies. Mating is the other side of the coin but this may be due to better genetics allowing potentially fewer - since from a smaller queen - harder working workers outshine their peers. Waldemar Long Island, NY>> I used to have a strain of Italian hybrids which had big fat queens, and produced nothing but swarms. I now have A.m.m., with small slim queens, which do far better. It seems the queen's build has little or nothing to do with her fertility or the usefulness of her strain. Regards, Robert Brenchley :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::