>Having used marked and clipped queens for 14 years I do get some to last 
2 to 3 years but the majority are replaced in the first year. as for 
marking the mark does go away so if the mark is missing does not mean 
she was replaced, clipping on the other hand does not go away unless she 
is replaced.

I have done this for over 30 years and queens regularly go into their fourth
year - some even the fifth.

I use the UniPosca bullet point marker which lasts well and gives a neat
dot, but there is an art to marking.   If you just dab the paint on then it
sits on the hairs on thorax and these rub off.  I rotate the marker whilst
pressing down (gently) and this ensures that the paint goes on the thorax.
It is also worth letting it dry for a few moments as the workers will
sometimes lick it off!

Best wishes

Peter 
52°14'44.44"N, 1°50'35"W

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