Yes they will concentrate its use in an areas of the hive that they find is 'beneficial' and 'feasible' to them.. On the other hand, and to be fair, I have seen a feral hive living in a tree with an open crack in the tree trunk at least three feet long and 6 to 8 inches wide with no propolis visible in effort to cover the comb which is plainly visible 'in that crack'. Also in fairness, there most likely was a propolis built up 'in' the confines of hollow of the tree out of sight.
As I said earlier you two may be right about light and propolis, and I suspect you are, when its use is "feasible" in their management', such in the case of my langstroth hives for example with little to seal in 'regard to shutting out light'.. Now frames in the same hives, a totally different matter (how and why do they produce so much)??.. lol.
An Exception in my case is hives that I have purposely set up a significant crack between the tops and their top boxes through Winter Months. (Another subject entirely)...
An overabundance of propolis production has been the case for me since my first hive. (No matter the breed of bee; feral or from ordered queens from two states away). I contribute this to 'perhaps' location...
Since propolis has been added to this topic, I am inquiring in relation to the overly abundant production of propolis which I am seeking information: Is propolis of 'significant' value, and is there a fair market for it, I for one would like some inside information about such, for those who might be in the know. Such would be greatly appreciated..
Phillip