Virgin Queens and Drones.

[George60]

How do the drones find virgin queens?

 

[Erichalfbee]

How do the drones find virgin queens?

They don't
Virgins find the drones, then it's every man for himself and they follow her by sense of smell

 

[masterBK]

Drones must also use their eyes. They must be large for a purpose!

 

[Magwat]

When the first drone has mated his bits get left behind hanging out of the queen. The bits reflect ultra violet light making it easier for subsequent suitors to find her.

 

[rook66]

When the first drone has mated his bits get left behind hanging out of the queen. The bits reflect ultra violet light making it easier for subsequent suitors to find her.

Bollocks

 

[mickbees23]

Bollocks

Ultra Violet Bollocks I think you mean

 

[Magwat]

Bollocks

If bollocks is what you think I'm talking, and not a polite reminder of the correct terminology for a drone's bits then check out G. Koeniger who wrote ....... the mating sign shows bright reflections in ultra violet wavelengths between 320 - 360 nm

 

[George60]

Drones and Queens

Please fellas and ladies, didn`t mean to cause an argument, just after some information please be civil even if you have different opinions were all here to learn.

 

[Beefriendly]

When the first drone has mated his bits get left behind hanging out of the queen. The bits reflect ultra violet light making it easier for subsequent suitors to find her.

The role of the mating sign in honey bees, Apis mellifera L.: does it hinder or promote multiple mating?
G. Koeniger 1990.
Found that dummy queens with mating sign were more attractive to drones that those without. Not seen the bit about reflecting UV before.
It;s known that drones (big eyes) have good vision and are attracted to anything moving in a DCA, such as a stone being thrown into it.