Queen marking colors follow a standardized system where each color corresponds to the last digit of the year, making it easy to identify the year a queen bee was introduced to a hive. This color-coding system repeats every five years, ensuring consistency and simplicity for beekeepers. The colors are blue, white, yellow, red, and green, assigned to specific year-end digits for quick visual identification.
Key Points Explained:
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Color-Year Association System
- The system is based on the last digit of the year, with each color representing two possible digits.
- This cyclical pattern repeats every five years, simplifying long-term tracking.
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Specific Color Assignments
- Blue: Years ending in 0 or 5 (e.g., 2020, 2025).
- White: Years ending in 1 or 6 (e.g., 2021, 2026).
- Yellow: Years ending in 2 or 7 (e.g., 2022, 2027).
- Red: Years ending in 3 or 8 (e.g., 2023, 2028).
- Green: Years ending in 4 or 9 (e.g., 2024, 2029).
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Purpose of the System
- Helps beekeepers track the age of queen bees, which is critical for hive management.
- Ensures consistency across the beekeeping community, reducing confusion.
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Practical Application
- Beekeepers mark queens with the appropriate color upon introduction.
- The color serves as a quick reference without needing to recall exact dates.
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Example for Clarity
- A queen marked with red indicates she was introduced in a year ending with 3 or 8 (e.g., 2013, 2018, 2023).
This system is a small but vital part of beekeeping, blending practicality with tradition to support hive health and productivity.
Summary Table:
| Color | Year Ending Digits | Example Years |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | 0 or 5 | 2020, 2025 |
| White | 1 or 6 | 2021, 2026 |
| Yellow | 2 or 7 | 2022, 2027 |
| Red | 3 or 8 | 2023, 2028 |
| Green | 4 or 9 | 2024, 2029 |
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