>>Is there a concise definition of "regressed bees"? Sorry, Allen. I guess I am guilty again of using terms that show up on Bee-L but are not in frequent use here or elsewhere. Mea culpa. :) >>if such a definition involves forcing bees to build on small cell foundation This is my understanding of the term as it's been used here. >>how can TBH bees be "regressed" or "regressed"? As I understand it, Dennis experimented with 4.9 mm foundation prior to building his TBHs. The question was whether he placed bees from his 4.9 mm hives in TBHs. I believe not. Dennis - if you are reading this - please help me out! :) >>Or is "regressed" a permanent state? Huh? Evidently not in managed colonies since bees can be forced onto smaller or larger foundation. It's a little bit of an open question as what happens in nature. Dennis' observations indicate a cell size gradation in naturally drawn comb. There is no 'one size fits all.' It makes sense to me since I have seen it in feral nests. We dispute/talk about the mean cell sizes, ranges of cell sizes etc. though. :) >>When measuing comb, we must remember that comb that is old tends to shrink, especially if dried out or exposed to heat. The comb I have was covered by bees as recently as 3 days ago and I've kept it my garage at about 50-60 F. To rule out this factor, I can pull out of the hive the feral comb with brood that's still covered with bees. >>The human mind treats a new idea the same way the body treats a strange protein; it rejects it. -- P. B. Medawar I think this is too simplistic. ;o) Not every human mind and not every body... ;-) Waldemar -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info ---