What Is The International Color Code For Marking Queen Bees By Year? Master The Wyrgb System For Apiary Management

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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