ARS | Publication request: UNUSUAL QUEEN CELL CONSTRUCTION AND DESTRUCTION IN APIS MELLIFERA FROM FAR-EASTERN RUSSIA

Submitted to: Journal of Apicultural Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: September 20, 2004
Publication Date: December 1, 2004
Citation: Cargel, R.A., Rinderer, T.E., 2004. Unusual queen cell construction and destruction in Apis mellifera from far-eastern Russia. Journal of Apicultural Research. 43(4):188-190.

Interpretive Summary: This study looked at the occurrence of queen cell production in Russian honey bees. These cells were built and destroyed before emergence, which is an unusual behavior in honey bee colonies. Some cells were destroyed in a way that could be seen as an emerged virgin. These observations will give beekeepers more informed bases on which to judge queen cell events in their colonies and a better understanding of Russian honey bee behavior.

Technical Abstract: We studied the behavior of queen cell production in queen-right colonies of Russian honey bees. We observed the simultaneous production and destruction of numerous cells within single colonies. An unusual observation was the behavior of sealed cells being opened and emptied from the end depecting an emerged cell, however the data explains this is not possible due to the development stage.