Determining whether grafted larvae have been accepted by the colony is crucial for successful queen rearing. The primary indicators include observing the behavior of worker bees around the grafted cells and physical changes to the cell cups. Worker bees will actively build wax around the cell cup, forming a smooth, slightly curved rim, and will cover the cells while feeding the larvae. This activity makes the original spigot or cell cup less visible, signaling acceptance. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key signs to look for.
Key Points Explained:
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Wax Rim Formation
- Accepted grafts will have a 3-4mm wax rim added to the cell cup.
- The rim will appear smooth and slightly curved, indicating that worker bees are modifying the cell to accommodate the developing queen larva.
- This wax deposition is a clear sign that the colony has recognized the grafted larvae as viable for queen rearing.
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Worker Bee Activity
- Worker bees will actively cover the cells, making the original spigot or cell cup difficult to see.
- They will also be seen feeding the larvae, which is a critical behavior for larval development.
- High activity around the grafted cells, including cleaning and guarding, further confirms acceptance.
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Physical Changes to the Cell Cup
- The cell cup itself may become less distinct as worker bees build wax around it.
- The original grafting tool marks or spigot edges will be obscured by wax and bee activity.
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Larval Condition
- Accepted larvae will appear healthy, well-fed, and properly positioned in the cell.
- Rejected larvae may be removed, desiccated, or ignored by the workers.
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Timing of Observations
- Check grafts within 24-48 hours to assess early signs of acceptance.
- Continued monitoring over the next few days ensures that the colony maintains care for the developing queens.
By carefully observing these indicators, beekeepers can confidently determine whether their grafted larvae have been accepted and are on track to develop into healthy queen bees.
Summary Table:
| Indicator | Signs of Acceptance |
|---|---|
| Wax Rim Formation | 3-4mm smooth, curved wax rim added to cell cup; original spigot obscured. |
| Worker Bee Activity | Bees cover cells, feed larvae, and show high activity (cleaning/guarding). |
| Physical Cell Changes | Original grafting marks fade as bees build wax around the cup. |
| Larval Condition | Larvae appear healthy, well-fed, and properly positioned; rejected ones are removed. |
| Timing | Check within 24-48 hours; monitor for sustained care over subsequent days. |
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