“Welcome back, bee enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of beekeeping and learning the art of spotting a queen bee. Let’s jump right in and explore some tips and tricks for spotting a queen bee.

First, let’s cover what the queen bee looks like. The queen is the biggest bee in the colony. She has an elongated, pointed abdomen. Her back is shiny and hairless, and her legs are lighter coloured. 

Tip number one: Look for frames with a hatching brood. When you inspect your beehive, keep an eye out for silvery-colored bees with soft wings and perforated cell cappings. You’ll be able to spot the antennae and mandibles of emerging bees. This is a strong indicator that a queen is actively laying eggs, which is a vital part of a healthy colony’s development. Since  queens are the only bees laying eggs in the colony, they are likely to be nearby.

Tip number two: Observe hive behavior. If you find your hive overflowing with busy bees, it’s time to assess their behavior. Gently separate the brood boxes onto lids and place them on the ground. Wait for about five minutes, and pay close attention. The boxes with the most calm and composed behavior are likely the ones where the queen is residing. Queen-right hives tend to exhibit more organized and settled behavior, as the colony is content under her leadership.

Tip number three: When all else fails, search for eggs. Sometimes, spotting the queen can be a bit tricky. In such cases, take a closer look at eggs. Gently shake off bees. Keep your eyes peeled for eggs. Remember, eggs are only eggs for a short period of 48 hours, after which they’ll hatch into larvae. So, if you spot eggs, you’ll know that the queen has been active recently.

Some beekeepers opt to mark their queen, to make spotting easier. Some beekeepers argue that this discourages beginners from learning how to consistently spot their queen. Choose the strategy that works best for you. 

Spotting a queen bee might seem like a daunting task, but with these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a pro at identifying the queen.”