Does anybody know where there are any good photos of larvae that are just right for grafting?
I just searched google and found this:
(http://www.calag.net/Honey%20Bee%20Studies_files/image001.jpg) These are the right age.
The article on grafting queens (http://www.kutikshoney.com/grafting/queens.htm) that this came from says that it is too big:
(http://www.kutikshoney.com/grafting/mvc-227f.jpg)
To me it looks just like most of them in that picture - what is the difference that I'm missing?. Thanks for the help.
:?
Grafting Queen Cells with Alan Buckley (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ubTuCzSMGI#)
Alan Buckley - part 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZxBOQzYKnQ#)
OK, I took this picture this afternoon:
(http://doorgarden.com/images/critters/bee-pictures/larva-for-grafting-1.jpg)
I'm gonna guess, cause I don't know for sure, 1 is best, 2 is ok? 3 and 4 are too old. Yes? No?
picture Lesson 37: Queen Rearing Part 2 (http://basicbeekeeping.blogspot.com/2008/06/lesson-37-queen-rearing-part-2.html)
This is my first year to graft. I look for larva next to eggs. The ones closest to the eggs are so small I cant see without my magnifier glasses. There is a sheen of brood food with th larva on top. I have not been able to graft these as they are so tender I mess them up gatting under them.
The next size up has more brood food and only slightly curved. these are the ones I get. If they get c shaped and easy to see they are too old.
Johnny
#1 I would use, I've been know to use those like #2 in a pinch (when brood might be a little scarce...but rarely), The rest I wouldn't bother with. In other words, I think you've got a handle on it.
Scott
Thanks. I guess I'm ready to give it a try.
Very nice picture !!!
Quote from: David LaFerney on April 07, 2010, 08:01:35 PM
OK, I took this picture this afternoon:
(http://doorgarden.com/images/critters/bee-pictures/larva-for-grafting-1.jpg)
I'm gonna guess, cause I don't know for sure, 1 is best, 2 is ok? 3 and 4 are too old. Yes? No?
It should look like a small drop of royal jelly with a slight imperfection in the surface... the imperfection is the larva...
Quote from: Michael Bush on April 07, 2010, 10:55:50 PM
It should look like a small drop of royal jelly with a slight imperfection in the surface... the imperfection is the larva...
That makes sense. They wouldn't be feeding it if it hasn't hatched yet. I've noticed those where you could just see the milky drop of food, but can't really see the larva yet. Can they be grafted without damage?
(http://doorgarden.com/images/critters/bee-pictures/small-larva-in-royal-jelly.jpg)
Quote from: wd on April 07, 2010, 10:44:07 PM
Very nice picture !!!
Thanks, I took several to get this one.
I don't believe my camera will zoom in that close - thanks
Quote from: wd on April 09, 2010, 05:10:47 AM
I don't believe my camera will zoom in that close - thanks
Neither will mine. The original picture was not zoomed in so close - I cropped out the part I wanted using Picasa.
OH ! ... I tried Picasa, I think I checked the wrong box or hit the wrong button, it gathered every image possible as it down loaded. didn't like that so I removed it. Now, I think because I made that mistake it will do it again if re-installed.
looks good..!
[quote
Grafting Queen Cells with Alan Buckley[/quote]
Too bad Alan didn't have a mic on him to cut down on the background chatter! :evil:
...DOUG
KD4MOJ
>Can they be grafted without damage?
With a chinese grafting tool, yes.
Haven't did any grafting but I'll say this.
I plan on trying to rear some Queens this year, Here is how I plan on getting the day old larvae.
Take the Queen and a couple frames of bees & capped brood. Place these in a five frame nuke.
Have a separator. Put one frame of foundation in on day one. go on day two take that frame and put it behind the separator, put frame #2 in it's place. Day three take frame 2 and place behind the separator.
etc. On day 4 frame #1 is day old larvae. could it be any simpler?
I have some video of a Queen Breeder doing his thing. :)doak