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Although beginning beekeepers always want to “see the queen” (Figure 5.33) in truth, it is rarely necessary to observe the queen directly in order to determine her status.

Figure 5.33 The queen is most often to be found on a brood frame, and not surprisingly, most often on one containing fresh eggs. But she will also sometimes be found on an outside frame, or even on the wall of the hive.

Tips for finding the queen:

 It is difficult to see queens when you are wearing a veil (sorry, that is just a fact).

 Check the brood frames first.

 As you pull out the frame, look down the face at an oblique angle – the queen stands somewhat taller than the workers.

 Glance at the face of the next frame in the hive, I often spot the queen there.

 The queen is far easier to spot in the first 5 seconds than she is after 10 seconds after being disturbed, so first glance quickly at both sides of the frame.

 Hold the frame in front of you, with good lighting, hold your eyes steady, and move the frame in a rectangular motion in front of your stationary eyes (rather than moving your eyes).

 Train your eye to recognize the queen's abdomen, more angular “hips,” a possible retinue of attendants, and her longer (and often light‐colored) legs.