The effect of swarm size and date of issue on comb construction in newly founded colonies of honeybees (Apis mellifera L.)

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Abstract
The effect of swarm size and date of issue on comb construction was examined in honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies founded by swarms. Significant positive correlations were found between the swarm size and the total amount of comb and percentage of drone comb constructed. Significant negative correlations were found between the date of swarm issue and the total amount of comb and percentage of drone comb produced. The rate of total comb production was rapid, with 90% of all comb being built within 44 days of colony founding. Drone comb construction began an average of 22 days after colony founding, with 90% of the drone comb being built within 42 days after the first drone cells. When temperate and tropically evolved bee races were compared, temperate colonies produced a lower proportion of drone comb than tropical colonies at small colony sizes, but more drone comb in larger colonies.