Queen Lava Colour

[Mothman]

Hello,

Having just completed an AS I thought I ought to check all was well. On checking the queen cell left for re queening I saw that the lava was a dark brown colour - all the pictures I have ever seen have white larvae. Is there something wrong?

(sorry I am not adept enough or prepared enough to get a picture!)

 

[Finman]

.
It is rotten larva. Not only dead.

.

 

[HelenC]

I have heard of something called black queen cell virus,
And that the larva should be destroyed and removed.
Others will be belong to confirm better and more about bqcv

 

[davnig]

possibly chilled brood can go a darker colour

 

[richardbees]

Yes it's dead and rotting..... so best remove it.

Are there any signs that they've created a new Q cell? the bees will have realised it's a loser and may have had a chance with existing eggs.