The queen bee is the leader of the colony and the mother of most, if not all, other specimens (workers and drones). In order for the whole hive to be healthy, it is essential that it is in good health, as when it ages or dies, the colony also dies if it does not find a new queen bee in time. In order to keep the hives, beekeepers must be able to distinguish the queen from the other insects present and, once recognized, mark it. Learn to spot and mark the queen bee by observing the differences in behavior, location within the hive and physical characteristics.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Recognize it visually
Step 1. Look for the largest specimen
The queen bee is almost always the largest insect in the colony. Sometimes, drones may be similar or larger in size, but you can tell them apart by their body thickness, as the queen is longer and more tapered than any other bee.
Step 2. Look at the pointed abdomen
The abdomen of bees is the lower part of the body that is located near the sting; that of the workers is rounded, but that of the queen has a more pointed shape. This feature can make it easy for you to understand that this is the queen bee.
Step 3. Observe the one that stays in place with its legs spread
The legs of the workers and the drones remain under the body, you cannot notice them very well if you look at the bees from above; the queen, on the other hand, keeps them extended outwards and they are much more visible.
Step 4. Check if the stinger is not hooked
There is only one queen bee for each hive; if you see more than one specimen that could be, lift each insect gently from the chest (the central part of the body), observe it under a microscope and look specifically at the sting. That of the workers, drones and virgin queens is equipped with a hook; only the queen's is smooth and straight.
Method 2 of 4: Look for it in the Right Places
Step 1. Locate the larvae
Gently remove any hive structures and look for them; they look like little white dots and you should see them piled close to each other. Since it is the queen who lays all the eggs in the colony, it is very likely that she is nearby.
Move with extreme caution when lifting and replacing the hive structures, as you could kill the queen by mistake
Step 2. Look for hidden corners
The queen does not wander around the edges or outside of the hive; it is much more likely to be inside in deep places, away from sources of disturbance. If you have a vertical hive, it will likely go to the bottom of a honeycomb; if you have a horizontal model instead, look for it towards the center.
Step 3. Pay attention to an unusual activity in the hive
The queen tends to move inside the hive; if you notice any unusual movement, for example bees all clustering together or the larvae move to an anomalous place, the queen is likely nearby.
Method 3 of 4: Recognize the Behavior
Step 1. See if the bees dodge
The workers and the drones always tend to give way when the queen moves; once this is over, the other insects gather around her. Pay attention to those who move.
Step 2. Look for a bee that does nothing
The queen is fed by the other bees and does not perform any duties other than laying eggs; observes the specimen that does not seem to have any task, as it is very likely that it is the queen.
Step 3. Check to see if bees are feeding a particular specimen
All the needs of the queen bee are met by the rest of the colony. Look at those who show particular attention to a specific and offer it food; it's not necessarily the queen bee (it could be a virgin queen or a young bee), but there's a good chance it's actually her.
Method 4 of 4: Mark the Queen Bee
Step 1. Choose the correct paint color
Beekeepers use particular colors to identify queen bees that are born in specific years; this technique helps to recognize them quickly and to understand if the colony needs a new queen soon. Make sure you choose the right color before marking the insect.
- An acrylic paint is fine; many beekeepers use those for modeling or in felt-tip pens.
- White paint is used to mark queens in years ending in 1 and 6;
- In the years ending with numbers 2 and 7 yellow is used;
- Red is used in the years ending with 3 and 8;
- Green for those ending with 4 and 9;
- While blue is used for the years ending with the numbers 5 and 0.
Step 2. Prepare the equipment to mark the bee
These insects get agitated or can even get injured if you keep them still for too long, so make sure you have your color prepared before you get the queen. Hold the dipped brush or marker pen ready in your other hand or on a small table next to the hive.
Step 3. Grab the queen gently by the wings or chest
You must act with extreme caution when you take it in your hand; if it starts to struggle, you can accidentally tear off its wings or even crush it.
Some beekeeping supply stores sell specific queen marking kits that involve the use of a plastic box to confine the insect during the procedure, but this is not essential
Step 4. Hold it over the hive
If it accidentally falls, at least it stays inside the hive and not on the grass or beekeeper suit. Make sure you always keep it above its house for as long as you have to handle it.
Step 5. Apply a dot of color to his chest
Mark it with a small sign of recognition right between the two front legs; make it a visible sign, but don't use too much color, otherwise the wings or legs may get stuck due to the dry paint.
Step 6. Shorten the wing tips (optional)
Some beekeepers do this instead of marking the queen with paint, but it is an optional method; if you choose this technique, grab it gently and cut the ends of both wings a quarter of the way, using a small set of beekeeping nippers.
Advice
- In addition to harvesting honey, also try taking royal jelly to use as a supplement.
- Check the hive regularly to make sure the queen bee is always there.
Warnings
- If you decide to mark the queen with the cut of the wings, be sure to sever only the ends; if you overdo it, the worker bees may think she's hurt and kill her.
- Always wear protective clothing when working with bees.
