Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: EasternShore on May 18, 2009, 06:45:41 PM

Title: Do laying workers look like small queen?
Post by: EasternShore on May 18, 2009, 06:45:41 PM
I know you all might laugh, but I've never seen a laying worker. 2 of my nucs had queen cells which hatched, I see 2 girls that look like really small queens..tail end is no where near as big as some of my other queens. These two nucs are regressed bees, would the queen be much smaller? They both have longer abdomens than all the other ladies and are not drones for sure..cause there are some really BIG drones in there.
If anyone could comment on this I would be greatful.
Title: Re: Do laying workers look like small queen?
Post by: jason58104 on May 18, 2009, 07:02:58 PM
In my experiance laying workers have the same apperance as any other worker.  In other words you can not pick them out of the crowd.  Also keep in mind that there may be up to 20 in a hoplesly queenless colony!
Title: Re: Do laying workers look like small queen?
Post by: iddee on May 18, 2009, 11:17:10 PM
It sounds as if you have two virgin queens. Wait a week or more and look for eggs.
Title: Re: Do laying workers look like small queen?
Post by: EasternShore on May 19, 2009, 06:40:48 AM
Cool...was hoping that was the case..