I apologize for not remaining in the discussion relating to winter bees 
- esp. since I initiated the topic.

Questions were raised relating to the difference between summer and 
winter bees.
Extracting information from Beekeeping Study notes - Modules 1,2,3 and 4 
- J.D. and B.D. Yates published by Bee Books New and Old (ISBN 0 
905652-33-9)

Young bees after emergence consume "large" amounts of pollen causing 
development of the Hypopharyngeal glands and fat deposits. This allows 
for the creation of corporal protein stores.

In summer: these stores are used to create brood food. Studies show that 
more brood food produces by an individual bee the shorter its life span.

In winter: late emerging bees have limited brood to rear. The 
Hypopharangeal glands remain plump, whilst the fat bodies are numerous 
after consuming pollen from late flows. fat being stored on the dorsal 
side of the abdomen.

Winter bees in this situation are somewhat similar to worker bees that 
are in a queenless situation.

A table is present in the source being mined:

Bees in spring /summer have average life spans 3.5 to 4.5 weeks
Those considered as winter bees (emerging in August through till 
October) have average life spans of 29 to 24 weeks (August bees having 
the longest span).

I suggest that these figures may vary due to race, type of bee and maybe 
situation.

Regards,

Peter

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