Hi Folks,
Kindergarten beek here (this year). I've followed these posts (among others) faithfully this year. It seems that when I had an issue that was post-worthy, someone else posts on the very same subject. I just have to "lurk".
Through last Wednesday, our temperatures in eastern Massachusetts were (low/high) 69/84. But that changed: Thurs; 50/65, Fri; 49/62, Sat; 52/65, Sun; 49/65.
Friday at 6PM I noticed a single dead white larva on the ground in front of one of my two hives. Saturday at 3 pm I noticed a different white larva on the ground, and as I was watching, a worker hauled out another dead larva. Both larvae looked big. I thought they might be drone larvae. The workers have been kicking out drones this past week. Today at 2 PM I saw about 3 dozen pretty mature, white larvae on the ground in front of this same hive.
I have open sbb on both my hives. I closed those bottoms off today thinking maybe a chill got some brood. My second hive, identical to the first except it is a top entrance, had no little bodies out front.
I searched "dead larvae", but nothing came up like my issue. Any thoughts?
Thanks folks, Salvo
I would say the workers are getting rid of drone larvae. It's the end of the breeding season and they are no longer needed.
Here you go!
http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,34717.0.html (http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,34717.0.html)
I just went out to start feeding my bees and saw them hauling out larvae also. Strange sight, hey? Since I had been in a little bit ago and saw tons of drone comb yet (??), I figured mine was drone larvae also. Good luck!
Agree drone larvae. There are still a decent number of adult drones and from time to time I see one getting the eviction notice.
I notice more dead larvae after a few days of rain. More time to organize the house with all the foragers home not returning with pollen and nectar.