One of the problems that I have encountered in the past has
been the placing of, and space for, queen cells that are due for
imminent emergence. Another of these problems arises due to several
incompatible versions of cell plug boxes and commercial artificial
cellcups, wax cellcups, cell punches and the like.
I made an attempt to unify all of these systems and at the
same time provide a capsule of space, in a suitable position within
the hive, so that a virgin in a queencell or pre-released virgins in
artificial cells can be placed in it for emergence. The same bits and
pieces can be utilised for the re-introduction of instrumentally
inseminated queens.
The system illustrated below is a means of combining these
aims.
Blanking Plug
The blanking plug is in place whenever there is no active
cell block in use.
Cellspace with blanking plug showing bee space (shown vivid
pink) all around the blanking plug.
Written... August 2000,
Revised... 20 December 2001,
Revised... 19 January 2003,
