Bumblebees, also known as humble bees encompass over 250 species within the genus Bombus, a member of the bee family Apidae. The genus Bombus is the only surviving lineage within the Bombini group. While fossil records indicate the existence of now-extinct related genera like Calyptapis, Bombus stands alone today.
Bumblebees are primarily found in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in higher altitudes and latitudes. However, they’ve also adapted to diverse climates, with a few lowland tropical species found in South America.
European bumblebees have been introduced to Tasmania and New Zealand as well. While female bumblebees can sting multiple times, they are generally peaceful creatures and pose little threat to humans and other animals.
A Social Life: The Colony of Bumblebees
Most bumblebees are typical social insects. They form colonies with a single queen. These colonies are smaller than those of honeybees, typically growing to around 50 individuals. The queen bee lays eggs, which hatch into worker bees that take care of the nest and the young.
However, not all bumblebees follow this social structure. Cuckoo bumblebees, for instance, are brood parasites. They don’t build their own nests but invade the nests of other bumblebee species. The cuckoo queen aggressively kills the resident queen and lays her own eggs, which the resident worker bees then raise as their own.
While cuckoo bumblebees were once classified as a separate genus, they are now usually considered part of the Bombus genus.
Unique Appearance of Bumblebees
Bumblebees are instantly recognizable by their round, fuzzy bodies. This fuzziness comes from long, branched hairs called setae, which give them a soft, plush appearance. Their round, plump bodies and short, stubby wings are characteristic features.
The rapid beating of their wings creates the iconic buzzing sound associated with bumblebees. Equipped with a long tongue for collecting nectar from flowers, their bodies are also covered in fine hairs that aid in pollen collection and distribution.
Color Patterns
Bumblebee color patterns can vary significantly across different parts of the world. These differences are shaped by various factors, such as:
Evolutionary Adaptation: Different species of bumblebees have evolved distinct color patterns to adapt to their specific environments. These patterns can serve as camouflage, warning signals to predators, or even help in thermoregulation.
Geographic Location: Bumblebees in different regions may have different color patterns due to genetic differences and environmental pressures.
For example, bumblebees in colder climates might have darker coloration to absorb more heat, while those in warmer climates might have lighter coloration to reflect sunlight.
Interestingly, different bumblebee species in a region often share similar color patterns, a phenomenon known as Müllerian mimicry, which provides mutual protection.
Mimicry: Some bumblebee species mimic other species, either to deter predators or to attract pollinators. This mimicry can lead to similar color patterns in unrelated species.
It’s important to note that while color patterns can vary, the basic structure and function of a bumblebee remain consistent across different species. Their fuzzy bodies, distinctive buzzing sound, and role as important pollinators are common traits shared by all bumblebees worldwide.
How Can You Differentiate Real Bumblebees from Mimics?
One key difference lies in the hind legs of female bumblebees. Nesting bumblebees have specialized hind legs with a pollen basket, a bare, shiny area surrounded by hairs. This basket is used to transport pollen. In contrast, cuckoo bumblebees, which don’t build nests, have hairy hind legs and never carry pollen.
Feasting and Foraging
A Sweet Diet
Like their honeybee cousins, bumblebees have a sweet tooth for nectar. They use their long, hairy tongues to lap up this sugary liquid from flowers. When not in use, their tongues are neatly folded under their heads.
Gathering for the Colony
Bumblebees don’t just indulge themselves. They gather nectar and store it in their nest. The queen bee and younger bees feed on this nectar. Additionally, they collect pollen, a crucial food source for their developing offspring. To efficiently find their floral feasts, bumblebees rely on color and spatial cues to identify the most rewarding flowers.
A Cheeky Trick
Some bumblebees have a sneaky side. They’ll sometimes bypass the flower’s intended pollination mechanism by biting a hole near the base, directly accessing the nectar without transferring pollen. While this may seem like a shortcut, it can reduce the overall pollination efficiency of the flower.
Why Bumblebees Don’t Make Honey Like Honey Bees?
Unlike honey bees, bumblebees produce nectar in small quantities, primarily to feed their young and support the queen. While honey bees stockpile honey for winter, bumblebees focus on meeting their immediate needs rather than storing the excess.
How Much Nectar Do Bumblebees Store?
The nectar supply in a bumblebee nest is minimal compared to that of a honeybee hive. Honey bees are known for producing surplus honey, allowing beekeepers to harvest it. In contrast, bumblebees generate just enough nectar to sustain their colony, with no surplus for storage.
Bumblebee Nectar Composition Bumblebee nectar, sometimes called “honey,” is often less concentrated and more watery than that of honey bees. This is because honey bees work to evaporate most of the water from nectar, which helps to preserve it for long-term storage.
Can Bumblebee Nectar Be Harvested?
Humans don’t harvest nectar from bumblebee nests because the quantities are too small, and their nests lack the structural organization found in honey bee hives. Consequently, collecting nectar from bumblebees is not practical.
While bumblebees and honeybees both produce nectar, each species has evolved to meet its unique needs, making them fascinating and essential pollinators in their own right.
Lifecycle
Phelyan Sanjoin, Bumblebee nest, CC BY 2.0
The life cycle of a bumblebee is remarkable, progressing entirely within a single year. Here’s a glimpse into their journey:
The Queen’s Awakening
During early spring, a solitary queen bee emerges from hibernation. She seeks out a suitable nesting site, often a small hole in the ground or a birdhouse. Once she’s found the perfect spot, she begins building the first few brood cells using wax.
The queen prepares these cells with a blend of pollen and nectar before laying her eggs inside them.
The Birth of a Colony
It takes about four to five weeks for the first eggs to hatch. The emerging bees, known as workers, take on the responsibility of foraging for food and caring for the growing brood. As the colony expands, the queen continues to lay eggs, and the worker population increases.
Summer’s Bounty
Throughout the summer, the colony thrives. The workers tirelessly collect pollen and nectar to feed the young and maintain the nest. The queen’s main role is to lay eggs, supporting the colony’s expansion.
A New Generation
As summer ends, the colony gets ready for the next generation. The queen begins to lay eggs that will develop into new queens and drones. These reproductive individuals mate and the fertilized queens seek out suitable hibernation sites to survive the winter.
A Temporary Home
Unlike honeybees, bumblebees don’t reuse their nests. Each year, a new queen starts a new colony. Therefore, if you find a bumblebee nest near your home, it’s best to leave it undisturbed. By understanding their life cycle and habitat needs, we can appreciate these valuable pollinators and create a welcoming environment for them.
Pollination
Bumblebees are not only adorable but also incredibly efficient pollinators. Their ability to fly in cooler temperatures and lower light conditions sets them apart from many other bees.
Buzz Pollination: A Unique Skill
One of the most fascinating behaviors of bumblebees is “buzz pollination.” The bee firmly grips the pollen-producing part of a flower and rapidly vibrates its wing muscles. This vibration dislodges pollen grains that would otherwise remain trapped, ensuring successful pollination.
Many plants, including tomatoes, peppers, and cranberries, rely heavily on buzz pollination for reproduction.
Bumblebees as Beneficial Insects
Bumblebees are more than just cute, fuzzy insects. They play a vital role in our ecosystem and contribute to a healthier planet. Here’s why:
Nature’s Pollinators
Crop Production: Bumblebees are efficient pollinators of crops like tomatoes, blueberries, and cranberries. Their unique ability to buzz pollinate helps release pollen that other pollinators can’t reach.
Wildflower Diversity: They also play a crucial role in pollinating wildflowers, contributing to biodiversity and the beauty of our natural landscapes.
Natural Pest Control
Aphid Predators: Bumblebees feed on aphids, which are common pests that can damage crops and garden plants. By controlling these pests, they reduce the need for harmful pesticides.
Ecosystem Balance
Biodiversity Support: Bumblebees contribute to the overall health of ecosystems by maintaining the balance of plant and animal life. Their pollination services help ensure the survival of many plant species.
Climate Regulation
Carbon Sequestration: Like other pollinators, bumblebees indirectly help regulate the climate by supporting plant growth, which absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Genetic Diversity
Plant Evolution: By transferring pollen between different plants, bumblebees promote genetic diversity. This diversity helps plants adapt to changing environmental conditions and increases their resilience.
Do Bumblebees Sting?
Yes, bumblebees can sting. While they’re generally gentle creatures, they will defend themselves if they feel threatened.
Key Points About Bumblebee Stings
Multiple Stings: Unlike honeybees, bumblebees have smooth stingers, allowing them to sting multiple times.
Painful Sting: Bumblebee stings are often reported to be more painful than those of other bees.
Allergic Reactions: As with any insect sting, some individuals may have severe allergic reactions, requiring immediate medical attention.
Only Females Sting: Only female bumblebees have stingers; males are harmless.
How to Avoid Bumblebee Stings?
Mindful Behavior: Avoid making sudden movements or swatting at bumblebees.
Respect Their Space: Stay away from bumblebee nests.
Protective Clothing: Wear shoes and long pants when working in areas with high bumblebee activity.
Remember: Bumblebees are important pollinators. By learning about their habits and taking a few easy measures, you can live harmoniously with these beneficial insects.
The Declining Population
Bumblebees, once a common sight in our gardens and fields, are facing a serious decline. A significant number of North American bumblebee species are now considered at risk of extinction, and many others are simply too poorly studied to assess their status.
What’s Causing the Decline?
The exact reasons for the decline of bumblebees are complex and multifaceted. A combination of factors likely contributes to this trend, including:
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: The loss of natural habitats, such as meadows and forests, due to urbanization and intensive agriculture is a major threat.
Pesticide Use: Exposure to pesticides can harm bumblebees directly and indirectly by affecting their food sources.
Climate Change: Changing climate patterns can disrupt the timing of flowering plants and the emergence of bumblebees, affecting their ability to find food and reproduce.
Disease and Parasites: Diseases and parasites can weaken and kill bumblebees, especially in stressed populations.
A Hopeful Outlook
While the situation is concerning, it’s important to note that not all bumblebee species are in decline. Some populations are stable or even increasing. By understanding the factors driving bumblebee decline and taking steps to protect their habitats, we can help ensure the survival of these vital pollinators for future generations.
How You Can Help Bumblebees?
Bumblebees are vital pollinators, but they face numerous threats. Here are some practical ways you can help protect these important insects:
Create a Bee-Friendly Habitat
Plant a Pollinator Garden: Choose a variety of native plants that bloom throughout the season.
Provide Nesting Sites: Leave patches of bare ground for ground-nesting bees or create bee hotels to attract cavity-nesting species.
Reduce Pesticide Use: Opt for organic gardening practices or use less toxic alternatives.
Avoid Using Pesticides: Pesticides can harm bumblebees and other pollinators.
Participate in Citizen Science
Join a Monitoring Program: Contribute to scientific research by participating in citizen science projects that track bumblebee populations.
Report Sightings: Share your observations of bumblebees with local organizations or online platforms to help scientists monitor their distribution.
Support Sustainable Beekeeping Practices
Buy Local Honey: Choose honey from local beekeepers who prioritize sustainable practices.
Avoid Non-Native Bees: Be cautious about the introduction of non-native bee species, as they can compete with native pollinators.
Support Research and Conservation Efforts
Donate to Conservation Organizations: Contribute to organizations dedicated to bumblebee conservation.
Advocate for Policy Change: Support policies that protect pollinators and their habitats.
By taking these simple steps, you can make a significant difference in the conservation of bumblebees and other pollinators. Let’s work together to create a future where these vital insects can thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bumble bees are generally quite docile. Unlike other communal bees, they don’t form swarms and will only sting when genuinely provoked. Female bumble bees do have stingers, but they are so gentle that getting one to sting you would take considerable effort.
Bumblebees typically nest in abandoned rodent burrows, thick grass, compost heaps, under sheds, hollow trees, walls, and birdhouses.
Bumble bees have wings that beat over 130 times per second. Their larger size also helps them generate heat, allowing them to fly earlier and later in the day and to reach cooler, higher altitudes compared to honey bees.
It’s best not to exterminate bumble bees, as they are beneficial pollinators. If they need to be removed, consider contacting a pest control service like IPM Pest Control for safe relocation.
Worker bumblebees typically live around four weeks. By the end of the season, only the new queens survive to start colonies the following year, while the rest of the colony dies. Older bumble bees can often be recognized by their tattered wings.
Curious Contemplations
Click Beetles: Nature’s Spring-Loaded Marvels
Crown Gall: A Gardener’s Guide