The purpose of this gizmo is to prevent the queen from going with a swarm, in hopes of persuading the hive to stay home. Of course, they will raise virgins and swarm out anyway, as the virgins can sometimes squeeze through. 

Supposedly, Warwick Kerr had these devices on the African colonies that he started in Brazil. Some well meaning beekeeper removed them, as they were obstructing the colonies from coming and going freely. Thus leading to the African bees' takeover of three continents. That's the story, anyway.

PLB

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