The international standard for marking queen bees utilizes a repeating five-year cycle of colors determined by the last digit of the current year. This standardized sequence is White, Yellow, Red, Green, and Blue. For example, a queen reared in a year ending in 1 or 6 is marked White, while a year ending in 5 or 0 is marked Blue.
This color-coding system is a vital management tool that enables beekeepers to instantly determine a queen's age and assess her potential productivity. The cycle repeats every five years, following the sequence: White, Yellow, Red, Green, Blue.
The Specific Color Schedule
To determine the correct color for your queen, simply look at the last digit of the year in which she was hatched.
Years Ending in 1 or 6
The designated color is White. Examples: 2021, 2026.
Years Ending in 2 or 7
The designated color is Yellow. Examples: 2022, 2027.
Years Ending in 3 or 8
The designated color is Red. Examples: 2023, 2028.
Years Ending in 4 or 9
The designated color is Green. Examples: 2024, 2029.
Years Ending in 5 or 0
The designated color is Blue. Examples: 2025, 2030.
How to Remember the Order
The "WYRGB" Mnemonic
It is easy to forget the specific order of colors when you are in the field. Beekeepers often use a mnemonic phrase to recall the sequence.
A popular phrase is: "What, You Raise Green Bees?"
The first letter of each word corresponds to the color order: White, Yellow, Red, Green, Blue.
Best Practices and Safety Considerations
While the color code provides the "what," proper application ensures the safety of the queen.
Selecting the Right Marker
You must use markers specifically designed for safety. Water-based acrylic paint markers are the industry standard.
These markers are generally low-toxicity and safe for the bees. Avoid oil-based or heavy solvent paints that could harm the queen.
Application Precision
The marker should have a soft tip to allow for gentle application.
You need to apply a single, vibrant dot to the queen's thorax. It is critical to use a marker that delivers enough pigment with a light touch to avoid stressing the queen or painting her wings.
Making the Right Choice for Your Apiary
Implementing this system effectively depends on your management goals.
- If your primary focus is productivity management: Adhere strictly to the year-specific colors so you can instantly identify queens that are 2+ years old and likely due for replacement.
- If your primary focus is rapid inspection: Ensure your markers are highly pigmented and vibrant; the goal is to make the queen stand out against the comb immediately.
By standardizing your marking process, you turn a guessing game into a precise science.
Summary Table:
| Year Ends In | Marker Color | Example Years | Mnemonic Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 or 6 | White | 2021, 2026 | What |
| 2 or 7 | Yellow | 2022, 2027 | You |
| 3 or 8 | Red | 2023, 2028 | Raise |
| 4 or 9 | Green | 2024, 2029 | Green |
| 5 or 0 | Blue | 2025, 2030 | Bees |
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