Queens, Drones and DCA's with Chip and Gard (342)

In this episode, Jeff and Becky welcome researchers Dr. Orley “Chip” Taylor and Dr. Gard Otis to discuss their fascinating work on drone congregation areas (DCAs)—the mysterious gathering points where honey bee drones meet virgin queens for mating. The conversation explores how DCAs are located, the behavioral cues that guide drones, and what these sites can tell us about colony genetics, health, and evolution.

Drawing from decades of fieldwork and scientific inquiry, Chip and Gard share insights into how these high-stakes mating events unfold, what makes a DCA stable over time, and why understanding these areas is important for breeders and beekeepers alike. They also reflect on the challenges of observing this elusive part of the honey bee life cycle and share stories from their field studies across North America and beyond.

This episode offers a rare window into a little-understood but critical aspect of honey bee biology. Whether you’re a backyard beekeeper curious about queen mating or a researcher interested in honey bee genetics, this conversation deepens our understanding of what happens when drones take flight.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

• Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
• The National Honey Board: https://honey.com

• Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com

 

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This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! 

Thanks to Bee Smart Designs as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper.

 

Thanks to Dalan who is dedicated to providing transformative animal health solutions to support a more sustainable future. Dalan's vaccination against American Foulbrood (AFB) is a game changer. Vaccinated queens protect newly hatched honeybee larvae against AFB using the new Dalan vaccine. Created for queen producers and other beekeepers wanting to produce AFB free queens. 

Retailers offering vaccinated queens and packages: