Help - New and got "funny" bees

[8LGM]

Hi,

Can someone help?

I'm new to beekeeping. I have had a hive for about 4 weeks now, it started as a swarm but I think it may have been a cast (I think that’s the term) as I’m sure the queen was a virgin (no brood for about 2-3 weeks).

What I am concerned about is I have seen today what appear to be honey bees which appear the same as the rest of the hive but they have a white conical patch down the length of the back of their thorax.

I can’t see anywhere what this is or are they simply new/young bees. I have a photo of one if this helps.

 

[jon]

Newly hatched bees can look like that.
Foragers with white backs have usually found some Himalayan Balsam.

 

[8LGM]

So nothing to worry about - no one stealing honey?

Attached the photo.

 

[jon]

that's a forager rather than a newly hatched bee so i would guess that is a little Himalayan balsam pollen on its back. I noticed it was starting to flower last week.

 

[8LGM]

Thanks Jon. Put my mind at rest. I'm a little over protective of my bees I guess.