> QUERY:  What if the size of the worker bee determined the size of the cell
> structure built by that bee?  Would our "manmade" worker bee make brood comb
> in size relative to the size of the worker?  "My head, thorax, whatever, is
> of such a size so the cell width has to be a certain size relative to my
> size."

Nicely put.

One of the many things that seem to be missing from this discussion is facts,
like the fact that bees in any one hive already vary in size considerably and
the measurements we discuss are averages.  Up to 100% differences in weight
between individual worker bees can be observed.  How can they agree on what size
of cell to build?  Is it really important?

Individual worker bee size depends on nutrition and other factors such as
genetics, which can vary a lot in any given hive and from season to season.

There is much more speculation and assumption in this discussion than
measurement and observation.  As has been pointed out previously by one astute
member, some of the experiments necessary to debunk this amazing attractive myth
are already running in nature and in our hives, if only we can push away from
the desk, set aside our prejudices and pet theories, and go outside and take a
look.

allen
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