I saw one of my Carniolan queens today in addition to several eggs in a nice tight pattern. However, one section of the frame had a bunch of eggs (say 100 or so) that were not laid in the center of the cells. They aren't on the sides of the cell, they're on the bottom just obviously off center. The rest looked fine. Is this cause for further investigation. Was the queen just having a moment? Do bees get drunk? The hive hasn't been queenless so I'd like to rule out a laying worker. I'm hoping it's just one of those things.
It is a female thing, happens ever few weeks. Can you get a pic to show just how off center? I think everything is ok with her.
Are they off center, or are they just leaning over to lay down and change into larva?
Day 1 egg stands straight up
by day 2 it's over 45 degrees
by day three it's flat on the cell bottom and beginning to morph into a larva
by day 2, you might think they are off center as they start leaning to lay down.
Also, is this a new hive with newly mated queen? Sometimes she has to practice in a few cells before she gets it correct...
as she's learning on the fly?
or... flying by the seat of her pants?
giggles...
"giggles..."? Are you saying the queen might have the giggles?
Yeah, I've watched my observation hive queen do that occasionally. The strange thing though is that when she was doing that I could swear I heard her mumble "I'll show that stupid drone, oh I'll show him" !!
:-D
I don't think that it is any cause for alarm, especially not if everything else looks fine.
Thanks all! I was more curious than worried. Though I did recently deal with a laying worker situation that still has me a little shaken. I figured that this wasn't the problem but it's nice to be reassured! :)
I've appreciated this thread and all the replies. I'd like to see some pics of off=center eggs.