Abstract: A method and apparatus for the harvesting of royal jelly. The method comprises the use of a first matrix of cell-like structures in an arrangement typical of normal worker bee cells which have interconnected plugs placed in the back of the matrix. A queen bee may then lay this matrix of cells with eggs. Upon the eggs turning into larvae, the plugs may be removed and the plugs are provided in interconnected sets such that each set provides plugs for each alternate cell in the first matrix of cells. These plugs may then be fitted to a second matrix of cells which provide larger, queen-like cells at a spacing of substantially the same as the alternate cells in the first matrix. The second matrix may then be placed in a queenless hive for the bees to fill the larger cells of the second matrix with royal jelly which may then be harvested.