Originally Posted by
Jon
Yes I know!
The swarm always contains the queen and it returns to its home be it nuc, apidea, or colony.
What I am certain about is that this is an organised non random event and it is not absconding or an aborted attempt to abscond. I see absconding from apideas as well and there is a clear difference. Absconding usually takes place after a queen has started to lay and sometimes takes place just a day or two after she has started to lay with only eggs being left in the apidea. The usual suspects apply - overheating, overcrowding, too small a space.