What visual characteristic is associated with chilled brood in beekeeping?

Chilled brood is a condition that occurs when bee larvae are exposed to low temperatures, which can prevent their proper development. The visual characteristic associated with chilled brood is the presence of patchy areas of brood that initially may appear yellow, but due to the chilling, they can later turn black. This discoloration occurs because the larvae are unable to mature properly, leading to their death and a change in coloration from the normal healthy white or creamy color to shades of yellow and eventually black as they decay.

This pattern can often be seen as irregular patches rather than a uniform spread, which distinguishes it from other brood conditions. Understanding this characteristic is important for beekeepers as it can help them identify problems in hive management, such as inadequate temperature maintenance and the need for better insulation during cooler weather.