Supercedure
Supercedure is the natural process by which a honeybee colony replaces an existing queen with a new queen. Unlike swarming, supercedure is a gradual and less disruptive queen replacement, typically occurring when the existing queen is aging, injured, or failing in pheromone production. Supercedure queen cells are usually fewer in number and located along the face of the comb, in contrast to swarm cells which are often numerous and at the bottom or sides of frames. Recognizing supercedure is important for beekeepers to manage colony queenright status and avoid unnecessary interventions.
- Monitor and allow natural supercedure4
If supercedure cells are observed and the colony appears healthy and exhibits no signs of queenlessness, the best approach is often to monitor and allow the natural supercedure process to proceed. This involves regular hive inspections to track the development of supercedure cells, emergence of the…
📌 none4/16/2025, 9:22:02 PM
🛠️ Hive tool, smoker, protective gear
- Requeening (if supercedure fails)3
If natural supercedure is unsuccessful, or if queen mating fails after a supercedure event, beekeeper intervention with requeening becomes necessary to avoid colony queenlessness. Signs of supercedure failure include prolonged absence of eggs or brood after queen cell emergence, or a poor or spotty…
📌 commercial4/16/2025, 9:22:02 PM
🛠️ Queen cage, hive tool
- Evaluate queen quality3
When supercedure cells are present, beekeepers should evaluate the existing queen's quality and performance. This involves assessing the queen's brood pattern (compactness, consistency), temperament of the colony (gentleness, defensiveness), and overall colony health and productivity. Supercedure…
📌 none4/16/2025, 9:22:02 PM
🛠️ None