Grafting tool for queen larvae with the tongue
Chinese Grafting Tool – Practical Aid for Queen Bee Rearing
What It Does and Why Beekeepers Use It
The Chinese grafting tool (often also referred to as the "Chinese pen") is among the most widely used tools for grafting – the gentle transfer of the youngest bee larvae into queen cell cups during queen rearing. It is popular due to its simple operation and high acceptance rate, which typically exceeds 90% after a short learning period.
The key component is the flexible spatula (tongue) at the tip of the tool. It easily slides under the larva along with a drop of royal jelly on which the larva "floats." This minimizes the risk of larva injury and desiccation – and gentle handling is crucial for raising quality queens.
The body of the tool is made of durable plastic and works on the principle of a mechanical ballpoint pen. You pick up the larva on the flexible tip and by pressing the plunger, you extend the spatula, which gently releases it into the prepared cup. Grafting thus becomes faster, cleaner, and more manageable even for beginning queen breeders.
How to Graft with Greater Certainty
For good larva acceptance, prepare your work in advance. Drop a small amount of diluted royal jelly into the queen cell cups (one drop is usually sufficient; larger amounts may leak out when handling the frame). In the comb, select the youngest possible larvae – ideally approximately one-day-old, gently curved in a "C" shape, preferably from cells near eggs.
Insert the tool's tongue under the larva along the cell wall so that you pick it up along with the jelly. Then transfer the larva to the queen cell cup. Gently immerse the tip into the prepared drop and release the larva onto the surface by pressing the plunger. Thanks to the spatula, you don't have to "scoop it out" – the placement is gentle and precise, which increases the chance of a trouble-free start for the future queen.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Body material | Durable plastic |
| Spatula (tongue) material | Flexible plastic / horn (depending on batch) |
| Mechanism type | Spring-loaded (like a pen) |
| Color | Red and white |
| Purpose | Grafting (queen rearing), royal jelly collection |
| Acceptance rate | High (typically > 90% with proper technique and practice) |
Tip: Before first use, rinse the tool in lukewarm water. If the tongue is stiffer, brief immersion in warm water will soften it, so it better follows the cell bottom and the work is more reliable.
