What marking color is used for queens marked in 1985?

Queens marked in 1985 are designated with the color blue. This color-coding system is based on a five-year cycle of marking queen bees, with each year assigned a specific color that helps beekeepers identify the age of the queen at a glance. The color blue represents queens born in 1985 and is part of the cyclic pattern where different colors are used for different birth years: white for years ending in 1 or 6, yellow for 2 or 7, purple for 3 or 8, and red for 4 or 9. Being aware of this system is important for beekeepers in managing their hives effectively, as knowing the age of the queen can influence decisions regarding hive health and production strategies.