Bumble Bees

Bumble Bee

Bumble Bee

Bumblebees are large, fuzzy insects belonging to the genus Bombus and are among the most important pollinators in nature. Recognizable by their black-and-yellow striped bodies, they are social insects that live in small colonies, usually consisting of a queen, female workers, and male drones. Unlike honeybees, their colonies are smaller, producing only limited amounts of honey, which is mainly used to feed the colony rather than for storage. Bumblebees are especially effective pollinators because they perform “buzz pollination,” a unique method where they vibrate flowers to release pollen. They typically nest in the ground, abandoned burrows, or grassy areas. Most colonies last only a single season: new queens hibernate through the winter and emerge in spring to establish new colonies. Known for being gentle and less aggressive than other bees, bumblebees play a vital role in maintaining ecosystems, ensuring the reproduction of plants, and supporting biodiversity.