What are queen cells usually made from?

Queen cells are typically constructed from old beeswax. Worker bees transform this wax into the appropriate shape and structure for queen cells, which are used to rear new queens. The process involves the bees manipulating the wax to create a larger, elongated cell compared to regular brood cells, given that queen cells need to be more spacious to accommodate the growing queen larva.

Using old beeswax has its benefits, as it contains essential royal jelly and pheromones from previous queens, which help the colony recognize and support the new queen during her development. In contrast, new beeswax may not yet contain these beneficial properties, and while plastic foundation can be used in some contexts for brood frames, it is not utilized for creating queen cells. Natural resin might be employed for propolis but does not play a role in the formation of queen cells. This highlights the importance of old beeswax in supporting the colony's reproductive health and maintaining the lifecycle of the hive.