In a message dated 19/03/2009 08:12:44 GMT Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes: Pictures of scutellata from South Africa: http://beeman.se/za/za-1-nf.htm Excellent pictures! Although the workers are similar in colouration there is some variation. Are they cross-bred? I used exactly the same system as in the bottom left picture for getting comb drawn from starter strips, but I used fishing line rather than wire - it seems to be better accepted with fewer misses in the laying pattern along the line of the line.. I am now not even using that, but the frame must be held vertically, especially when the comb is new. As always, when persuading bees to build in frames without the restriction of foundation, the hive must be level. Chris *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html