This is a follow up in case anyone is interested. I visited the apiary today and found that the Apidea was completely empty. No bees, No Candy, No queen.... even the stored honey in the frames was gone. It looked as though something may have hatched out of the cell because there was a nice little round hole chewed in the bottom. However, I did notice that there was also a hole on the *inside* of the "queen" cell (i.e. between the cell and the comb) and I was wondering if the bees themselves had torn the cell down or whether this damage had occurred after emergence. Any comments ? This has certainly been a great learning experience for me and I would like to thank all of you who have contributed to the discussion. Many Thanks, - Paul - -- Paul Walton [log in to unmask] 78 Russell Road, Toddington, Bedfordshire, England. Tel. +44 (0)1525 875570