Hi Frank and Everyone,

My experience indicates that bees do draw different size cells in
different areas of the hive for different purposes. The smallest cells
are in the broodnest area. Cells on the periphery are larger drone cells
and honey storage cells. That's why it's so difficult to get them to draw
one size cell consistently across a frame which can be interchangeable
used throughout the hive.

I think the concept of a moveable, completely interchangeable frame
anywhere within the hive creates some problems these problems. When a
larger cell comb is placed in the broodnest mites get out of control.
When the smaller cell is placed in the honey super the effects on the
bees are unknown but it can be more difficult to extract.

The difficulty in getting the bees to construct one size cell indicates
to me that more than cell size is important. Maybe the dynamics of not
only where bees construct what size cells is important, but also maybe
when they use these different size cells throughout the season is as
important. Would the bees occupy an area of the hive in the spring and
raise larger bees there?

A good discussion concerning these possibilities has been raised by Barry
Birkey on BiologicalBeekeeping in Yahoo Groups.

Some there have noted that not only do feral hives comb structure vary
vertically, but the comb spacing often varies horizontally. Could a
horizontal dynamics be also possible?

Wow,  great questions and a great challenge to share, Frank. I think
there are lots of questions related to comb that could be as significant
as my experience with cell size.

I don't have much experience with feral colonies but Dave Green has some
excellent pictures of a feral colony at
www.pollinator.com/feral/feral_examination1.htm .

Anyone have any photos to share? Pointers to other sites? Observations?
I have read that Mark Winston and Roger Morse located and measured feral
hives. Is their research available?

Best Wishes
Dennis