> That's not how I interpret Harris' or Mattila's data.  There is no anticipation.  Diutinus bees are not "raised"--- the physiological change comes *after* emergence, cued by lack of fresh incoming pollen and brood pheromone.

My mistake in using the term "raised." I too, was referring to adult bees. What I meant by raised was their care and feeding during the first week or two of adult life, which seems to influence whether they will live long -- or not. 

If the bulk of the winter bees are born in September, while there is a lot of brood in the hive and lots of pollen still coming in, what is the trigger? Certainly not poor conditions.

Are you saying that these thousands of bees born during the bountiful fall flow then find themselves in a colony with diminishing inputs (even while they are surrounded by lots of fresh honey and pollen) -- and they are switched to long life mode?

Or do you suggest that the bulk of winter bees emerge after the main flow, and find themselves in a hive that is going into scarcity mode, with a great reduction in egg laying and brood care? Which then triggers longer lifespan?

Just asking

PLB

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