Afterswarm

/ˈæf.tɚ.swɔrm/ noun

Definition

A secondary swarm of insects, especially bees, that departs after the initial swarm has left the hive.

Etymology

Compound of 'after' and 'swarm' (from Old English 'swearm'). Beekeeping term for successive departures of honey bee colonies.

Kelly Says

When a bee colony gets too crowded, the queen and half the bees swarm away—but 'afterswarms' can happen repeatedly with younger queens, which is why beekeepers have to manage multiple splits per season!

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