>Good points all.  Yes, the queen could intentionally stop soliciting food (although I highly doubt it).  Her weight appears to drop, since she slims down to about half her egglaying size....I've got a hunch that the model is pretty simple.

Yes, but it could as easily be behavioural or chemical or even relate to the type of food available -- or offered.  Bees feed different larvae differing foods.

Could it be she is put on one of those "eat all you want and loose 20lbs in a week diets" endorsed by the stars?  

After all, she is a queen!  

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