What is a supercedure cell?

A supercedure cell refers specifically to a queen cell that is created when the existing queen is replaced. This typically happens when the colony determines that the current queen is no longer able to perform her duties effectively, whether due to age, disease, or other factors.

These cells are usually found in the middle of the frame, reflecting the hive's preference to utilize the brood area for producing new queens. The central location is accessible for worker bees, who will nurture the developing queen.

The presence of supercedure cells signals that the colony is actively engaged in the process of requeening, which is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of the hive. This practice is distinct from swarm cells, which are usually located at the bottom of frames and are indicative of the colony's intention to swarm rather than replace the queen.