Queen killing rival in a QC

[MattC]

Should have taken a photo, but forgot- so will do my best to describe...

Found my hive unexpectedly queenless a couple of days ago, with several capped QCs already present. REduced down to the two biggest looking, with intention of moving one into a nuc today, leaving just one for the hive to raise a new queen from. Today one of the QCs is clearly hatched, no sign of a virgin, but the other QC looks slightly shrivelled, with an eroded looking tip (which doesn't lift) and another small patch on the shaft that looks eaten away. No sign of hatching but it no longer looks healthy.

I'm wondering if this is how QCs look when the first virgin out decides to kill her rival 'in the womb'..?

 

[enrico]

Yes, or even the workers will get in at her if they feel the need. They will tear a hole in the side and do the deed!

 

[beeno]

Hi MattC,
That's one half of the equation. Now you just have to find your new queen and we can all shout hurray text book for once!