Print Page - Why do the bees do this?

Title: Why do the bees do this?
Post by: Joseph Clemens on September 13, 2005, 03:53:40 AM

Why do the bees fail to completely cap or open some pupae?

(http://www.wjclemens.com/cordovan-honeybee/general_hive_photos/Feral_Survivor_brood_NucD_marked.jpg)

Title: Why do the bees do this?
Post by: stilllearning on September 13, 2005, 07:32:14 AM

I think the pupa have died and they know it , they sense no movement and the dead pupa have a smell if you will mark those uncapped cells, for a short time you will find them empty.

Title: Why do the bees do this?
Post by: Michael Bush on September 13, 2005, 08:20:07 AM

The whole concept of hygenic bees is that they uncap pupae that are not perfect in some way. If the pupae is infested with mites or infected with some brood disease they uncap and then remove them.

But they have isolated several genes that are tied to that behavior. Some have to do with uncapping and some have to do with removing. If a lot of it stays open like that, maybe you have one and not the other.

Title: Follow-up
Post by: Joseph Clemens on September 14, 2005, 10:48:15 AM

Thanks Michael,
I'm going to take a few follow-up photo's and see how the bees have dealt with these.

Title: Why do the bees do this?
Post by: drobbins on September 14, 2005, 12:09:55 PM

Joseph,

an interesting read

http://www.beekeeping.com/articles/us/hygiene_queen.htm

Dave

Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: Joseph Clemens on September 13, 2005, 03:53:40 AM