Queen bee marking follows a standardized color code system based on the year's last digit, using five distinct colors in a repeating cycle. This system helps beekeepers quickly identify a queen's age and track her performance, which is vital for hive management. The colors are applied with non-toxic paint on the thorax, and suppliers often pre-mark queens before delivery. A helpful mnemonic ("Will You Raise Good Bees") makes the system easy to remember.
Key Points Explained:
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Color-Year Correlation
- White: Years ending in 1 or 6 (e.g., 2021, 2026)
- Yellow: Years ending in 2 or 7
- Red: Years ending in 3 or 8
- Green: Years ending in 4 or 9
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Blue: Years ending in 5 or 0
Why it matters: This 5-year cycle aligns with a queen’s typical lifespan (2–3 years), allowing beekeepers to assess replacement timing at a glance.
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Mnemonic Device
The phrase "Will You Raise Good Bees" corresponds to the color sequence:- W (White)
- Y (Yellow)
- R (Red)
- G (Green)
- B (Blue)
Practical tip: Beekeepers use this to recall the system without referencing charts.
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Marking Methods
- Supplier marking: Most queens arrive pre-marked, ideal for beginners.
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DIY marking: Requires a queen marking cage/tube and non-toxic, water-based paint. A small dot on the thorax ensures visibility without impairing movement.
Safety note: Test pens on a non-living surface first to avoid clumping or toxicity.
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Purpose of Marking
- Age tracking: Identifies when requeening is needed (queens decline in productivity after 2 years).
- Hive efficiency: Quickly confirms the queen’s presence during inspections, reducing hive disturbance.
- Performance records: Links queen age to honey yield or disease resistance observations.
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Color Standardization
The system is globally recognized, ensuring consistency across suppliers and regions. For example, a blue-marked queen in 2025 will signify the same year code worldwide. -
Equipment Recommendations
- Use bee-safe paint pens (e.g., Posca or Uni Paint Markers) with fine tips for precision.
- Marking tubes with ventilation holes minimize stress during DIY marking.
Beyond the hive: This color-coding logic mirrors industrial systems (e.g., electrical wiring or safety tags), showing how simple visual cues solve complex tracking needs.
Summary Table:
| Year Ending | Color | Mnemonic Letter |
|---|---|---|
| 1 or 6 | White | W |
| 2 or 7 | Yellow | Y |
| 3 or 8 | Red | R |
| 4 or 9 | Green | G |
| 5 or 0 | Blue | B |
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