Practical Guide: 4.5.1 Finding the queen
Unmarked queens are sometimes very difficult to locate. We recommend having marking equipment available during every colony inspection so that unmarked queens can always be marked. This requires a good eye, and not all beekeepers necessarily have the ability to spot queens. When a nucleus colony has to be formed or a queen introduced, the beekeeper is then often faced with difficulties.
Official factsheet – Summary
Factsheet: 4.5.1 Finding the queen
- Objective: Facilitate locating the queen while minimizing stress to the colony.
- Basic principles:
- Recognition of the queen’s typical appearance and behavior.
- Methodical frame-by-frame inspection.
- Method:
- Calm and attentive handling.
- Priority given to brood frames.
- Observation of attendant bees.
- Possible aids:
- Marking the queen when possible.
- Good lighting during inspection.
- Important point:
- Excessively rapid handling increases the risk of losing or injuring the queen.
► Open the official factsheet PDF (FR)
► To the official factsheet page (abeilles.ch)
Note: Chapter 4.5.1 “Finding the queen”.
Summary established on the basis of factsheet 4.5.1. Last verification: 01/2026.
See also:
- Queen identification card
- Factsheet: 4.5.2 Introducing the queen
- How to introduce queens?
- Finding the queen