Emergency queen cells

[homer]

What is the difference between queen cells and "emergency" queen cells, and what makes the bees decide what type of queen cells they make?

[derrick1p1]

Queen cells are the same, its the intent or reason for the cell that helps us dictate the "name" of the queen cell.  Swarms cells (usually at the bottom of a frame.  hive is going to swarm)
Cell in center (sometimes upper) of frame usually is a supercedure cell (they see a reason to replace/supercede the queen), or emergency cell (queen is no longer present, and must have a queen asap).

If you do searches on queen cells, swarm cells, supercedure or emergency cells, you'll find a wealth of information in the archives on details of each. bushfarms.com is a great place to start.

[qa33010]

   I accidentally killed a queen in one hive and when I went back a couple weeks later there were emergency cells, they are all over the place, as the colony is desperate for a queen and use whatever brood possible.  Fortunately they have kept that queen to present, her name is Spot II. ;)

        It just depends why they are making the queen(s) as to where you'll find the cells.