[log in to unmask] wrote: > > This sounds like the way to go. I never thought about practicing on drones. > But, how do you hold them by the thorax and also paint the thorax? It seems > as if my fingers would be in the way. > Richard This is probably a no-no, but I have for many years simply picked up queens by the wings and gently put a dot of quick drying paint onthe thorax. Then after a couple minutes to let the paint dry you release the queen. I have never had a problem with this method beyond occasionaly getting a little paint on my fingers. Tom -- "Test everything. Hold on to the good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21) Tom Elliott Chugiak, Alaska U.S.A. [log in to unmask]