Queen cells play an essential role in the life cycle and management of a bee colony. Every beekeeper encounters them, often at times when they’re least convenient. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into how to identify different types of queen cells, debunk some common myths, and explore how these cells can help you manage and improve your bee colonies.
Understanding Queen Cells
Queen cells come in various forms, each serving a unique purpose. They are a fascinating natural feature that can indicate a lot about your colony’s state. Here’s a look at the three main types of queen cells you may encounter:
- Swarm Cells: These are created as part of the colony’s natural reproduction cycle. Bees build swarm cells in spring when the colony is at its peak strength and population, allowing them to split and propagate. These cells are usually found on the comb edges or face (but can appear anywhere on the frame!) and appear in groups, sometimes exceeding 30 in one colony.
- Supercedure Cells: These cells are formed when the colony replaces an aging or failing queen. As Roger Patterson says, “Usually one cell, often two cells, occasionally 3 cells”. Typically, only one to three supercedure cells are built, and they are often located close together, usually on the comb face. They will be of a similar age. They indicate that bees sense a need to replace their queen.
- Emergency Cells: When a queen suddenly goes missing, the colony rapidly constructs emergency cells from worker larvae to create a new queen. These cells often look different from natural swarm or supercedure cells because they’re formed from existing cells rather than starting from a specialized “cup.” Emergency cells are typically smaller, often attached directly to the midrib of the comb.
Recognizing Queen Cell Impulses and Their Importance
These cells not only tell you what is happening within the hive but also serve as opportunities for management decisions:
- Swarm Cells: Provide a chance for beekeepers to divide colonies and manage population growth.
- Supercedure Cells: Indicate the colony’s effort to replace a failing queen naturally, which can be a positive sign of colony health and resilience.
- Emergency Cells: A sign that the colony is adapting quickly to an unexpected loss, which may need beekeeper intervention if multiple cells are produced.
Managing Queen Cells: A Practical Approach
Beekeepers often press the “panic button” at the sight of queen cells, but it’s essential to assess what’s happening before making any drastic moves. Here’s a step-by-step approach to managing queen cells effectively:
- Identify the Type: Take note of the number, placement, and timing of queen cells. More than four or five cells usually indicate swarm preparation, while fewer cells suggest supercedure.
- Examine the Colony Condition: Before removing queen cells, check for eggs, larvae, and overall colony health. Understand that swarming conditions and overcrowding often lead to cell production.
- Remove Cells with Caution: If you choose to remove cells, consider keeping a few in case you need to reintroduce them later. Removal is not always necessary; queen cells can be valuable resources, especially for small-scale queen rearing.
Queen Lifecycle
| Day | Stage |
|---|---|
| 0 | Egg Laid |
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | Hatches into Larva |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 | Q/C Sealed – maybe tomorrow |
| 9 | |
| 10 | |
| 11 | |
| 12 | |
| 13 | Distribute Q/Cs – maybe tomorrow |
| 14 | |
| 15 | Queen Emerges – maybe tomorrow |
Common Myths About Queen Cells
Misconceptions about queen cells abound, but here are a few myths that experienced beekeepers often dispel:
- Myth: Swarm cells are always on the comb edges. While this is often true, they can appear on the comb face, too.
- Myth: Supercedure cells are larger than swarm cells. In reality, queen cell size can vary widely and isn’t a reliable indicator of type.
- Myth: Always leave two queen cells as a backup. In cases where one queen cell is defective, the other can indeed serve as a backup. However, be aware that if both queens emerge healthy, one may leave with a swarm.
Using Queen Cells for Queen Rearing
Queen cells are an excellent resource for raising new queens. By choosing the best queen cells from your strongest colonies, you can create additional colonies or strengthen weaker ones. Here’s how:
- Swarm Cells: When cut from strong colonies, they can be transferred to smaller colonies needing a boost.
- Supercedure Cells: Offer a great opportunity to replace failing queens without introducing new genetics, maintaining the colony’s lineage.
- Emergency Cells: Although not as ideal, emergency cells are sometimes used in artificial queen-rearing methods.
Peak Queen Cell Number (PQN)
Peak Queen Cell Number (PQN) is a concept referenced in select beekeeping literature, notably in “The Honeybees of the British Isles” by Beowulf Cooper and “The Cell Punch Method of Queen Rearing” by Richard Smailes. These texts explore how PQC can be used as an indicator of a colony’s swarming tendencies and provide insights into using PQC for breeding purposes. Cooper and Smailes emphasize that tracking the PQC in colonies can help beekeepers identify and select for colonies that produce fewer queen cells, thus potentially reducing the urge to swarm. This metric has become a valuable tool for beekeepers aiming to cultivate calmer, more manageable bees.
Conclusion
Queen cells are more than just an indication of colony stress or swarming intentions. They represent an opportunity for sustainable beekeeping practices and colony management. By understanding and working with these natural signals, beekeepers can maintain healthier colonies and produce new queens as needed. Next time you encounter queen cells, take a deep breath, assess, and decide on an approach that best benefits your hive.