What is a key indicator of queen failure in a bee colony?

A spotty brood pattern is a key indicator of queen failure in a bee colony because it directly reflects the queen's ability to lay eggs consistently and effectively. A healthy queen typically produces a uniform and dense pattern of brood, indicating that she is actively mating and laying eggs. When there are gaps or irregularities in the brood pattern, it suggests that the queen may not be fertile or healthy, which can lead to poor colony health.

In contrast, an abundance of workers may not directly relate to queen health, as colonies can have many workers regardless of queen performance. The presence or absence of drones is influenced by factors such as season and the overall health of the queen but does not alone indicate her success or failure. Increased honey production can result from many factors unrelated to the queen's performance, including resource availability and environmental conditions. Thus, a spotty brood pattern serves as a strong indicator of potential issues with the queen's reproductive capabilities, making it crucial for beekeepers to monitor and assess for this sign.