Bumble Bees

Bumble Bees

Bumble bees are large, robust bees in the genus Bombus, recognized by their rounded bodies and often distinctive bands of black, yellow, orange, or white hairs. Unlike honey bees, most bumble bee species live in small annual colonies: a queen emerges in spring, establishes a nest, and produces workers that gather nectar and pollen, care for developing young, and defend the colony. New queens and males are produced later in the season, while the old colony typically dies before winter.

Bumble bees are important pollinators, especially for plants that require buzz pollination. They vibrate their flight muscles while gripping a flower, shaking loose pollen from poricidal anthers—as in tomatoes, peppers, blueberries, and potatoes. Their large bodies, hairy coats, and ability to generate heat allow them to forage in cool, cloudy weather and at higher elevations when many other bees are inactive.

They generally feed on nectar for energy and collect pollen as protein-rich food for larvae. Bumble bees are usually non-aggressive away from the nest, although workers can sting repeatedly if the colony is threatened. Major threats include habitat loss, pesticide exposure, climate change, disease transmission from managed bees, and reduced availability of flowering plants. Supporting them involves planting diverse, pesticide-free native flowers that bloom from early spring through autumn and protecting undisturbed nesting and overwintering sites.

Scientists stunned as bumble bees solve a classic intelligence test. Bumblebees solve novel intelligence test. Bumble bees astonished researchers by inventing a new way to reach a hidden reward, despite never being taught the trick. The discovery adds to growing evidence that these tiny insects are far smarter and more adaptable than once believed.