How can beekeepers recognize signs of a queenless colony?

A queenless colony can be identified through several observable signs that indicate the absence of a fertile queen. One of the most evident indicators is the lack of eggs in the cells. A healthy queen will consistently lay eggs, so if a beekeeper inspects the colony and notices that there are no eggs present, this could suggest that the queen has either died or has stopped laying eggs, which is a strong sign of queenlessness.

Additionally, increased aggression among the worker bees can signal that they are unsettled due to the absence of a queen. This change in behavior often arises because the colony is in distress, leading to more defensive and aggressive actions than usual. This reaction is a natural instinct for bees, as the stability and leadership provided by a queen are critical for the colony's harmony.

The presence of multiple queen cells is another key characteristic of a queenless colony. Worker bees may attempt to rear a new queen if they sense that their current queen is missing or has failed. The construction of these queen cells is a sign that the colony is trying to create a new queen to restore itself and ensure its survival.

The other options do not provide accurate indicators of a queenless colony. For example, excessive brood and calm behavior suggest that the colony is healthy