Bumblebee
Genus Bombus
Buzz Pollination Masters
Bumblebees are essential for "buzz pollination" (or sonication). They grasp the flower and rapidly vibrate their flight muscles to shake pollen loose, a method necessary for crops like tomatoes, potatoes, and blueberries.
Pollen Baskets
The workers possess specialized structures on their hind legs called corbiculae (pollen baskets). They moisten the pollen with nectar and pack it tightly into these smooth, shiny areas for transport back to the nest.
Flying at High Altitude
Bumblebees have been recorded foraging at incredibly high altitudes, particularly in mountainous regions, thanks to their ability to maintain high body temperatures through rapid muscle vibration.
Field notes
| Range | Widespread in Temperate Zones |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | Workers: 2 to 6 weeks during summer |
| Size | Workers range from about 5 to 20 mm |
| Weight | Very light, typically ranging from 100 to 400 milligrams |
| Colour | Hairy, banded black and yellow |
| Diet | Nectar (for energy) and Pollen |
| Family | The genus Bombus contains over 250 described species |
In the book
The Bumblebee is number 44 of the 101 creatures in Glowing Bugs. Its two pages show it from three sides, at its true size, with a map of where it lives. The plate is an artistic interpretation and does not show the true colours of the living animal.
