Development of Drones. 105 
cells (Fig. 53, 2), in manner already described, The drone 
cells are one-fourth of an inch in diameter, and project 
beyond the worker-cells, so they are a little more than 
one-half of an inch long. As stated by Bevan, the drone 
feeds six and a half days as a larva, before the cell is capped. 
The capping of the drone-cells is very convex, and pro- 
jects beyond the plane of the same in worker-cells, so that 
the drone brood is easily distinguished from worker, and 
from the darker color—the wax being thicker and less 
pure—the capping of both drone and worker brood-cells 
enables us easily to distinguish them from honey-cells. In 
twenty-four days from the laying of the eggs, the drones 
come forth from the cells. Of course, variation of tem- 
perature and other conditions, as variable amount of diet, 
may slightly retard or advance the development of any 
brood, in the different stages. The drones—in fact all 
bees—when they first emerge from the cells, are gray, and 
are easily distinguished from the mature bee. 
Just what the longevity of the male bee is, I am unable 
to state. It is probable, judging from analogy, that they 
live till accident, the worker bees, or the performance of 
their natural function cause their death. The worker 
bees may kill off the drones at any time, which they do by 
constantly biting and worrying them; though principally 
by withholding their chyle food. They may also destroy 
the drone-brood. It is not very rare to see workers carry- 
ing out immature drones evenin mid-summer. At the same 
time they may destroy inchoate queens. Such action is 
prompted by a sudden check in the yield of honey, and in 
case of drones is common only at the close of the season. 
The bees seem very cautious and far-sighted. If the signs 
of the times presage a famine, they stay all proceedings 
looking to the increase of colonies. On_ the other hand, 
nectar secretion by the flowers, rapid increase of brood, 
crowded quarters—whatever the age of the queen—are 
sure to bring many of the male bees, while any circum- 
stances that indicate a need of drones in the near future, 
like loss or impotency of the queen, will prevent their 
destruction even in late autumn. 
