In order to facilitate semi-field and field experiments on honey bees, PoshBee partners proposed a novel integrated system of research equipment. 

Study Frame.

The system’s main component is the Study Frame (Figure 1). It is constructed so that one or both sides can be fitted with a queen excluder cover held in place with clips. Each side of the top bar is laser-engraved with a unique identifier.

Converter Hive.

The second important item is the Converter Hive (Figure 2) which utilises the power of a large colony to create a study colony with a pre-determined and consistent number of adults and developing bees. 

The equipment also includes a robust unit, integrating a hive stand, floor, varroa tray, support for scales, dead bee trap, and pollen trap, in order to simplify installation and use and deliver better data. Finally, the system also encompasses a Photographic Apparatus constructed for taking consistent high definition photographs of the brood.

Find out more about the integrated system of equipment here.