Artificial insemination of the queen bee needs very precise manipulations that cannot realistically be carried out without the use of a stereomicroscope. The insemination devices are bulky and require a large area to accommodate them together with good clearance to give adequate working distance. There are basically two options, either stereos with very large flat bases or the long arm versions that use a boom arm to hold the stereohead between the user and the insemination equipment. The later are probably the more versatile, although a little more expensive.

A zoom magnification stereohead is recommended because the potential magnification choices makes this ideal for the variable aspects of the procedure. The insemination apparatus shown below is manufactured from brass by Michael Collier of Cornbrook Bee Farm. The design has its basis in his many years practical and professional experience in this field. The unit and stereo are sold independently to allow a choice in the type and specification of the microscope. Lighting is also required and suggestions for suitable combinations are made below.