Since approximately three weeks ago, the question of whether or not honey bees carry eggs from one cell to another has been a topic of discussion on many websites, blogs, and online forums. The conclusion that may be drawn from this is that workers in honey bee colonies would transport eggs to locations where a larva is required, such as into a queen cup. My knowledge of the origin of the conversation is limited, but I am receiving a great deal of inquiries concerning it.

To be honest, I have no idea whether honey bees manoeuvre eggs in a strategic manner, but I do have some opinions on the matter. Unfortunately, that is the only thing I can provide at this time.

Do bees have the ability to carry?

Someone has reported seeing bees "carrying eggs the way an ant carries pupae," which is one of the justifications that supports the idea that eggs should be redistributed rather than stolen. In no way should this come as a surprise. We can learn a lot about this behaviour from a variety of written materials and textbooks.

When honey bees have produced more eggs than their workers can care for, it is common knowledge that the queen will limit the amount of eggs that are present in the nest. However, some texts assert that the eggs are "re-absorbed." I am going to presume that implies eaten. Even in a colony of vegetarians, re-absorption makes perfect sense because the preservation of calories and nutrients is of the utmost significance for the survival of the individual. It is not a waste of nutrients; rather, they are merely repurposed. Also, re-absorption can take place after a significant loss of field bees, which might result in a decrease in the amount of nutrients that are brought into the hive.
In addition, it is common knowledge that even healthy queen-right colonies have a significant number of laying workers in the background. When they have the opportunity, these workers will deposit their eggs inside of cells. However, the eggs are quickly identified by other workers (I guess through the use of pheromones), and those workers either ingest the eggs or remove them from the hive.
It does not come as a surprise to me that eggs appear in places where there has been no queen, such as above an excluder, or that someone has observed bees with eggs in their mandibles. These behaviours are consistent with previous observations.

If the eggs were thrown away, what other means of transportation would the bees have? They are not carrying any rucksacks. In addition, the mandibles are necessary for eating. To answer your question, yes, I do believe that these circumstances could convince a bee to carry an egg in its "teeth."

Carrying, on the other hand, does not refer to strategic placement. Ask your attorney about the distinction between possession and intent to distribute; they are two distinct concepts.

What is the possibility of intent?

My understanding of honey bees leads me to believe that eggs can be relocated in a strategic manner, which is something that is well within their capabilities. In other words, I have no trouble imagining that they are programmed to act. Honey bees are strong and resilient. I nearly feel as though I can hear them plotting between themselves, saying things like, "We need an egg in this queen cup." We should bring one in from over there, will we? Nobody will be aware of it."

However, as of right now, no one has succeeded in proving it to me. I am prepared to believe it once someone demonstrates it, potentially by bringing workers and eggs that have been transferred together. But just because it's a nice idea doesn't mean that I'll believe it.