About Bumblebees

In North America, they are considered one of the rarest bee species. The large size of the bees allows them to generate a lot of heat which insulates them during the colder periods. They also apply the heat they produce to warm their eggs. The bees are also waterproof. This is because of the oil that covers their body. The bees are also important pollinators of different wildflowers. The long and short-tongued species play different roles in pollinating both regular plants and flowers and weeds. Because of the important role they play in pollination, bumblebees are typically exported to different locations for greenhouse pollination.

Bumblebees are known for their annual cycles. Only the newly hatched queen survives till the next cycle. The queen and other members die just before the newly hatched queen enters winter for hibernation. Because of their annual cycles, they typically do not use nests for long periods. They may only use a nest for one cycle.

The bees have a unique flight pattern and style. They fly at low light levels. They also fly at colder temperatures, because of their ability to produce large quantities of heat. Their hairy bodies also help them to survive and fly in colder periods before they die or hibernate. The bees carry out a special type of pollination caused by buzz pollination. This form of pollination involves the bees holding the pollen-producing plant between their jaws and vibrating their muscle musculature. This activity dislodges the pollen which the bees can then harvest.  They do not require large quantities of honey. Thus, they are more important as pollinators than honey producers.