About

They are found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere and are known for their distinctive appearance, with a hairy body and bold coloration. Bumblebees are social insects, living in colonies with a queen and worker bees. The genus Bombus has over 230 known species, making it one of the largest genera of bees. They play a crucial role in pollination, particularly for flowering plants with deep, complex flowers that other insects may not be able to access. Bumblebees are important pollinators for many crops, wildflowers, and garden plants. Bumblebees are capable of flight in colder temperatures and are often active earlier and later in the day compared to other bees. They also have the ability to perform a behavior called "buzz pollination," in which they vibrate their flight muscles to dislodge pollen from flowers. While bumblebees are generally peaceful and only sting when provoked, they can defend themselves aggressively if their colony or nest is threatened. Their sting can be painful but is generally less harmful than that of some other bees and wasps. In recent years, bumblebees have faced various threats, including habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and diseases. Some species have experienced declines in population, with potential implications for plant pollination and ecosystem health. Conservation efforts have focused on protecting bumblebee habitats, reducing pesticide exposure, and raising awareness about the importance of these pollinators. Overall, the Bombus genus is a diverse and ecologically important group of bees, playing a vital role in pollination and contributing to the biodiversity of various ecosystems.