This research article examines the effectiveness of indoor mass storage for mated honeybee queens during the winter months to address spring shortages. The study found that queens kept in queenless banking colonies survived at significantly higher rates when stored at 16 °C, a temperature above the threshold for winter cluster formation. Despite long-term confinement, surviving queens maintained fertility and fecundity levels comparable to those in standard colonies, showing no significant loss in sperm viability. Morphological checks revealed only a slight decrease in abdomen length, likely due to temporary ovary inactivity during storage. Ultimately, the authors conclude that regulated indoor overwintering is a viable commercial strategy to reduce reliance on imported queens and support local beekeeping sustainability.
https://valleybeekeeping.com/files/agriculture-11-00402-v2.pdf
How does storage temperature influence the survival rates of wintered honeybee queens?
What impact does indoor mass storage have on honeybee queen reproductive health?
Can indoor banking techniques successfully reduce the industry's reliance on imported queens?