Bumblebee

Bumblebees are large, fuzzy bees in the genus Bombus, within the family Apidae. They are social insects that form colonies headed by a single queen, with workers that are nonreproductive females and drones that mate with queens. About 250 species are described, distributed mainly across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with some species in high-elevation tropical areas.

Life cycle and behavior: After winter, fertilized queens emerge in spring to establish nests in hollow trees, abandoned rodent burrows, or other sheltered sites. The queen lays eggs that become workers, allowing the colony to grow. Late in the season, males (drones) are produced for mating. The colony typically dies in autumn, while some fertilized queens hibernate to start new colonies the following year. Bumblebees create a robust foraging workforce early in the season, enabling rapid collection of nectar and pollen.

Physical characteristics: They are generally larger and hairier than honeybees, with distinctive black and yellow (or orange/white) banding. Their body structure supports carrying heavy loads of nectar and pollen and tolerating cooler temperatures, which allows for early spring foraging.

Pollination and ecology: Bumblebees pollinate a wide range of wildflowers and crops. They are capable of buzz pollination, a vibration that releases pollen from certain flowers, notably many solanaceous crops such as tomatoes. This makes them important agricultural pollinators in many regions.

Conservation: Many Bombus species have declined due to habitat loss, climate change, pesticides, and disease. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, reducing pesticide exposure, and monitoring populations to maintain healthy pollinator communities.