The Phenomenon of Quiet Queen Replacement

The phenomenon of quiet queen replacement is a sophisticated biological mechanism by which a bee colony carries out a succession of power without swarming and without interrupting the continuity of the hive’s work. From the perspective of honey bee biology, this is the „superorganism’s” drive to maintain the highest genetic and reproductive quality while avoiding the risks that come with natural swarming.

What is quiet replacement? Definition and essence

Unlike swarm queen cells, which are built for the purpose of dividing the colony, or emergency queen cells, which arise as a result of the sudden loss of the queen, supersedure queen cells are the result of deliberate action by worker bees aiming to replace the existing queen with a new one. The bees typically build them in small numbers – from 1 to 3 – most often on the face of the comb or in its upper part, ensuring their exceptional massiveness and careful finish.

Why does quiet replacement occur? Analysis of causes

The bee colony’s instinct is unerring in detecting queen defects that may seem insignificant to the beekeeper. The main factors initiating this process include:

• Pheromone insufficiency: The queen secretes the so-called queen substance, which inhibits the workers’ instinct to build queen cells. When its level drops (due to age or illness), the bees begin the process of rearing a new queen.
• Physical defects and injuries: Mechanical injuries, such as the loss of a limb, damage to the wings or mouthparts, disqualify the queen in the eyes of the colony.
• Depletion of sperm supply: An old queen whose sperm supply in the spermatheca is exhausted begins to lay unfertilised (drone) eggs in worker cells, which is a signal for her immediate replacement.
• Internal diseases: Health problems such as melanosis affecting the queen’s laying capacity.

When and how to recognise quiet replacement? (Hive inspection)

The beekeeper can identify this phenomenon during a standard hive inspection by paying attention to the following indicators:

1. Number of queen cells: Finding only 1–3 queen cells, often of great mass and with thick walls, is almost certain proof of supersedure.
2. State of the brood: Despite the presence of queen cells, the old queen continues to lay, and the hive contains brood at every stage of development.
3. No swarming impulse: The bees do not display the characteristic „laziness” typical of swarming – the colony continues to actively build comb and collect nectar.
4. Co-presence of two queens: This is the most unique aspect – after the young queen emerges, both queens can be found working on the same comb for a period of time (even up to several weeks).

The process step by step

1. Building queen cups: The workers prepare queen cups, usually in the central zone of the brood nest.
2. Egg laying: The queen lays eggs into the cups, which is the result of stimulation (and sometimes coercion) by the workers.
3. Intensive feeding: The larvae in supersedure queen cells receive the highest quality royal jelly in abundant quantities, which translates into their outstanding physical condition.
4. Emergence and mating flight: The young queen emerges and, upon reaching maturity, undertakes her mating flight.
5. Taking over the role: Once the new queen begins laying, the old one is gradually eliminated from the life of the colony.

Guide for the beekeeper: How to proceed?

The phenomenon of quiet replacement is very beneficial for the apiary, and the beekeeper should not counteract it.

• Do not destroy queen cells: If you find only 2–3 queen cells in a normally functioning colony, let nature take its course. Queens from supersedure are considered the biologically best – they are large, vigorous and highly prolific.
• Ensure calm: Disturbing the colony during this process may disrupt the young queen’s mating flight.
• Make use of the surplus: If the bees have built, for example, three queen cells, you can carefully cut one out and use it to save another, queenless colony.
• Monitor the presence of drones: Make sure that mature drones are present in the area. If supersedure occurs very late in autumn, the new queen may not be properly mated.

Summary

Quiet queen replacement is proof of the intelligence and survival instinct of the bee colony as a whole. It allows for a painless rejuvenation of the population within the hive, without losses in honey production and without weakening the colony’s strength, making it a desirable process in every professionally managed apiary.