Spotting Eggs and Larvae
Almost as challenging as finding the queen in a hive is spotting eggs and larvae—they're tiny! An egg is smaller than a grain of rice and rests at the bottom of a dark cell. However, learning to identify eggs and larvae is crucial, as they indicate whether you have a laying queen in the hive.
Fortunately, there are a few helpful tips and tricks for spotting them.
Quick fact: An egg takes 3 days to hatch into a larva. On Day 1, it stands vertically in the cell. On Day 2, it tilts at an angle. By Day 3, it lies flat at the bottom of the cell as it begins to hatch into a larva.
Tips & Tricks for Spotting Eggs and Larvae:
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Use sunlight: Hold the frame so that sunlight shines directly into the cells—this is critical for seeing eggs and larvae.
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Use your smartphone: Yes, even your phone can help! With sunlight shining into the cells, hold your phone about 6 inches from the frame and take several photos, making sure the camera focuses on the cell openings. Alternatively, record a slow video while moving your phone across different angles. Once indoors, zoom in on the pictures or video—you’ll often spot eggs you missed in person.
Regarding which frame to select for pictures and videos:
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Focus on the center area of a frame—eggs and larvae are rarely found on the outer edges.
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Choose 1–2 frames with the most bee activity, usually located in the middle of the brood box.
Helpful Tips:
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When purchasing new frames, opt for black foundation. It makes it much easier to see white eggs and larvae compared to yellow or white foundation.
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Tear down or trim surrounding cells using a knife to better expose or shorten cells—this helps you see into the bottom more clearly.
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On overcast days, use a powerful flashlight to shine directly into the bottom of the cells—this can be very effective!
If you still can’t spot eggs or small larvae but see your queen, capped brood, large larvae, and no queen cells, chances are eggs are present—they’re just too small to see clearly.
By: Blake Shook