The physical location of a queen cell is a primary indicator of whether a colony intends to reproduce by swarming or replace an existing queen. Cells hanging from the bottom or edges of the comb signify swarming, while cells located on the flat face of the honeycomb indicate supersedure.
Location drives diagnosis: If the cell is on the periphery (bottom/edges), the colony is preparing to swarm. If the cell is central (on the face), the colony is attempting to replace a failing queen.
Indicators of Swarming Behavior
Location: The Hive Periphery
Swarm cells are distinctive in their placement. They are typically found hanging from the bottom bars of the frame.
You may also find these cells positioned along the side edges of the comb.
Colony Intent: Reproduction
This specific placement signals that the colony is preparing to swarm.
This is a natural reproductive event where a significant portion of the adult bees will leave the hive with the old queen to establish a new colony elsewhere.
Indicators of Queen Replacement (Supersedure)
Location: The Comb Face
Supersedure cells appear in a distinctly different area. They are generally found on the flat face of the honeycomb.
Rather than hanging from the frame's structure, these cells protrude directly from the surface of the comb area where brood is reared.
Colony Intent: Survival
The presence of a cell on the face of the comb indicates the current queen is failing or old.
The colony's intent here is not to leave, but to replace the existing queen to ensure the hive's continued survival and productivity.
Interpreting the Signs Correctly
Visual Rules of Thumb
The distinction between "edge" and "face" provides a reliable heuristic for beekeepers.
It allows for a rapid assessment of the colony's state without needing to find the queen herself immediately.
Differentiating Motivations
It is critical to distinguish between expansion (swarming) and maintenance (supersedure).
Misinterpreting a supersedure cell (maintenance) as a swarm cell (expansion) could lead to unnecessary interventions that disrupt the colony's attempt to save itself.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
By observing where the bees have built the queen cell, you can determine the appropriate management strategy.
- If you see cells on the bottom/edges: The colony is preparing to swarm; you must assess if population management or splitting the hive is necessary to prevent the loss of bees.
- If you see cells on the flat face: The colony is replacing a failing queen; you should generally allow this process to continue or verify the health of your current queen.
Understanding this spatial language allows you to work with the colony's natural instincts rather than against them.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Swarm Cells | Supersedure Cells |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Location | Bottom bars or side edges of the frame | Flat face of the honeycomb (brood area) |
| Colony Intent | Reproduction and expansion | Maintenance and queen replacement |
| Beekeeper Action | Consider hive splitting or population management | Allow process to continue; check queen health |
| Significance | Colony is healthy and overcrowded | Current queen is failing or old |
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