Scales?

[Brian Sisson]

I searched, but found nothing on this-

I have 2 hives, and in one of them the bees (Italian) seem to have some sort of scales on the bottom of their abdomens.  These scales are coming off on about 20% of the bees.  There are no dead bees in front of the entrance, but there is a pile of these scales.  

The hive seems to be doing fine, working, raising brood, and drawing out comb.  It's a new colony from a 3# package.

Any advice?
Thanks,
Brian

[Finsky]

Bees make so wax  and use for for combs.

http://www.rupertshoney.co.za/rh/images/bee%20with%20wax%20scalesthb.jpg

[Brian Sisson]

Ahhhh- so this is normal and good.

I wonder why my Russian bee hive does not have this as evident as the Italians do.  They both seem to be drawing the comb out at the same speed.  Hmmm.

Thanks!
-B.