In message <[log in to unmask]>, Lloyd Spear <[log in to unmask]> writes >And, if genetics was a= >t work, I have not allowed them any chance to produce a new queen. A.m.m. will often supersede in autumn. In our mild climate (here) that can work well. Last year several late supersedures turned drone layers since the weather was very wet. In a variable autumn, there can be sufficient mating windows of opportunity. Also colonies can keep drones late, either for supersedure in the autumn or even in the spring. Overall it is a trait I value *here*. -- James Kilty