Mehiläishonkonen

Mehiläishonkonen, scientific name Bombus terrestris, is a species of bumblebee native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is one of the most common and widespread bumblebee species in its range. The common name "mehiläishonkonen" translates to "honey bumblebee" in Finnish, reflecting its social nature and its role in pollination.

This species is characterized by its relatively large size and a distinctive black and yellow banding pattern on its abdomen. The queen is the largest, followed by the male, and then the workers, which are the smallest. Mehiläishonkonen colonies are annual, meaning only the fertilized queens survive the winter, hibernating in sheltered locations. In the spring, the queen emerges and begins to build a new nest, typically underground in abandoned rodent burrows or in thick grass.

Mehiläishonkonen are important pollinators for a wide variety of flowering plants, including many agricultural crops. Their ability to perform "buzz pollination" makes them particularly effective at pollinating plants like tomatoes and blueberries. They are known for their relatively long proboscis, which allows them to access nectar from deep floral tubes. Despite their commonality, like many insect species, they face threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Conservation efforts often focus on preserving their habitats and promoting practices that support pollinator populations.