Which of the following statements about swarm cells is true?

Swarm cells are typically associated with a colony's reproductive strategy, and their position within the hive is important to understand. They are often located on the edges of frames or in the lower part of the brood nest, rather than being concentrated in the center of the hive. Swarm cells indicate that the colony is preparing to reproduce by creating a new queen, signaling that the colony is robust and healthy enough to expand. The development of swarm cells can occur regardless of the overall strength or resource availability of the colony, making the notion that they only develop in weakened colonies inaccurate.

The presence of swarm cells is more about the colony's natural behavior during conditions that promote swarming, rather than a direct indication of resource scarcity. Honey production is generally not reliant on swarm cells, as swarming can actually reduce the number of bees available for foraging and honey production during that transitional period. Understanding the nature of swarm cells helps beekeepers manage their colonies effectively and anticipate swarming behavior.