Bumble Bees

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Bombus: /ˈbɔm.bʊs/

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Summary

Bumblebees are a diverse group of social insects known for their significant role as pollinators in temperate ecosystems. They form smaller colonies than honeybees and display various adaptations for their survival, including thermoregulation and social structure.

Physical Characteristics

Bumblebees are generally plump, densely furry insects with round bodies covered in soft hair (long branched setae) called pile. They usually exhibit aposematic coloration with contrasting bands of color, aiding in species identification. They possess long tongues (proboscis) for nectar collection, and in nesting bumblebees, the hind leg is adapted to form a pollen basket.

Identification Tips

Nesting bumblebees can be distinguished from cuckoo bumblebees by the structure of the female hind leg, where nesting bumblebees possess a modified area for pollen storage, while cuckoo bumblebees have hairy hind legs with no pollen baskets.

Habitat

Bumblebees adapt well to a variety of habitats, though they are most commonly found in humid, cool environments rich in flowers, such as mountain meadows. They demonstrate a preference for temperate climates and are often found at higher latitudes and altitudes than other bee species, though some lowland species exist.

Distribution

Bumblebees are found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, with a large diversity in Europe, North America, and parts of South America. Approximately 300 species, including 43 in western North America, 24 in the east, and 18 in southern regions. They have also been introduced to New Zealand and Tasmania.

Diet

Bumblebees are nectarivorous and collect nectar and pollen to feed themselves and their young. They use their long, hairy tongues to lap up nectar, and their foraging helps in pollination of plants.

Life Cycle

Mated, overwintered queens emerge in early spring, with workers appearing later in spring to early summer. The colony grows with workers foraging until late summer or fall. Mated queens enter dormancy for winter, while workers and males generally die with the arrival of cold weather.

Reproduction

Most bumblebees are social and form colonies with one queen. Queens lay eggs, which develop into female workers, males, and new queens. Cuckoo bumblebees, or Psithyrus, do not make nests but invade others' colonies to lay eggs.

Predators

Bumblebees have various predators including robber flies, bee wolves, birds (like bee-eaters and shrikes), and crab spiders. Their nests can also be raided by badgers.

Conservation Status

Bumblebee populations are in decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and agricultural practices. Some species are critically endangered, particularly in Europe and North America.

Ecosystem Role

Bumblebees play a crucial role as pollinators for both wildflowers and agricultural crops, significantly influencing plant reproduction and biodiversity.

Economic Impact

Bumblebees are increasingly used in agriculture for pollination services, particularly in greenhouses and for crops like tomatoes. Their decline raises concerns over agricultural productivity.

Cultural Significance

Bumblebees are often featured in folklore, literature, and as symbols of pollination. They have inspired various artistic works and remain subject to conservation efforts due to their ecological importance.

Health Concerns

Bumblebee stings can cause pain but are not medically significant for most. However, individuals may experience allergic reactions.

Evolution

The Bombini tribe, which includes bumblebees, is thought to have evolved advanced eusocial behavior independently from other groups of corbiculate bees. Molecular evidence suggests a shared origin with other bee groups such as Apini and Meliponini.

Similar Taxa

• Honeybees (Apini)
• Stingless bees (Meliponini)
• Cuckoo bumblebees (Psithyrus)

Misconceptions

There exists a folklore belief that bumblebees should not be able to fly due to their body shape and wing size; however, they can fly efficiently due to complex aerodynamic mechanisms. This misunderstanding stems from simplified calculations of aerodynamics.

Tags

• Bumblebee
• Pollinator
• Apidae
• Insect
• Conservation
• Ecosystem