INTRODUCTION TO BUMBLEBEES
Bumblebees belong to the family Apidae and are normally described as primitively eusocial. They belong to the order Hymenoptera, which also include ants, wasps and sawflies, and they are classified under the genus Bombus.
Bumblebees are fairly large in size compared to other species of bees. They are capable of endothermy and they are able to work in cool conditions, unlike other bees. Despite their threatening, low pitched buzzing, bumblebees are very peaceful creatures who seldom sting. Extensive studies were done on honeybees but very little attention is directed towards these native pollinators. Bumblebees are the most “industrious” insects and they are important pollinators that pollinate about 15 percent of our food crops.
Worldwide, there are only about 250 known species of bumblebees, and more than 50 species are found in North America. They are also found in New Zealand and Australia where they are not native, but has naturalized. Bumblebees are known through their size and furry body, conspicuous colouring and their unignorable buzzing. The colour patterns of bumblebees varies among males, queen and worker bees.
Worldwide, there are only about 250 known species of bumblebees, and more than 50 species are found in North America. They are also found in New Zealand and Australia where they are not native, but has naturalized. Bumblebees are known through their size and furry body, conspicuous colouring and their unignorable buzzing. The colour patterns of bumblebees varies among males, queen and worker bees.
Figure 1.3 Bombus terrestris
Different species of bumblebees have different phenotypes and characteristics. In order to identify the different species of bumblebees, they have to be studied and examined carefully.