A question directed at the scientific community: Knowing that queens who are preparing to swarm can and offen do leave the old colony behind prior to there being an adult, mated queen left in the colony; my question is this: Has anyone done any research as to timing of such behavior? (i.e., is there a particuliar time at which the swarming queen decides its okay to now leave with the swarm even though there may not be an emerged queen to take over the hive) If someone has done this as a research project, I'd like to know of your results. Sincerely, BK BusyKnight Dallas, TX [log in to unmask]