>> This years observation is the same as last year and 2 years ago. In
>> May/June I start seeing smaller workers among larger workers. 

>Dennis Murrel operating with bee made comb noted that winter bees were
>smaller than the spring/summer bees

We observed this in spring and concluded the cause was nutritional.  We 
started feeding patties with the simple formula that Global still uses and 
have not observed that again as long as we fed supplement.

Our hives were on comb in 5.2 mm to 5.4 mm range with some cells smaller 
due to age.  Deliberately using smaller cell foundation will probably have
an effect, although I really do not know how much changing the size of cell 
changes the size of the bees raised in them.  I suspect that the bee 
genetics is a factor -- possibly as much or more than the cell size in some 
cases.  Additionally, as I recall, the effects on bee size and mass were fairly 
small.  There were some questions as to the bee density, as well.

I've read a number of studies on the topic, but am not too convinced as to 
how well controlled or widely accepted they were and if the studies were 
replicated.

             ***********************************************
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

Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at:
http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm