I sounds like what happens with varroa. The confirmation would be to examine the remaining capped brood cells. If varroa was responsible for the problem, the mites will be present in the sealed cells. good luck Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist B.C. Ministry of Agriculture 1201 103 Ave Dawson Creek B.C. V1G 4J2 CANADA Tel (604) 784-2225 fax (604) 784-2299 INTERNET [log in to unmask]