Did you know that bumblebees, unlike most other bees, can sting multiple times without dying?
It’s spring, and the bumblebees are waking up. You are likely going to see these fuzzy bees earlier than others because they are covered in dense hairs (known as “pile”), and can fly in lower light. They usually stay near the edges of the garden, amongst the ivy and the bushes. I’ve already seen the first few bumblebees in my garden!
The garden bumblebee is one of the most recognisable and beneficial pollinators found across the United Kingdom. With its long body and distinctive yellow, black and white colouring, it is a familiar sight in gardens, parks and wildflower meadows. Despite its common presence, this species has a number of fascinating traits that set it apart from other bees.
The Bumblebee Has A Remarkable Stinger
Unlike many other bee species, bumblebees can sting more than once without dying. This is because their stingers are smooth rather than barbed. While only queens and workers are capable of stinging, they are generally non aggressive and will only sting if threatened.
Built for British Weather
Garden bumblebees are well adapted to cooler climates. Their bodies are covered in dense hairs, known as pile, which helps to trap heat and keep them warm. This insulation allows them to fly earlier in the day, later in the evening and in lower light conditions than many other pollinators. As a result, you are likely to spot them before other bees become active.
Exceptional Pollinators
One of the garden bumblebee’s most valuable traits is its role as a pollinator. It is capable of flying in colder temperatures and dimmer conditions, making it especially important in the often unpredictable British climate.
They are also known for a technique called buzz pollination. By vibrating their flight muscles at remarkable speeds, sometimes up to 200 times per second, they can shake pollen loose from flowers. This method is essential for plants such as tomatoes and blueberries, which do not release pollen easily.
In addition, the garden bumblebee has a particularly long tongue, allowing it to access nectar deep within tubular flowers like foxgloves and honeysuckle. This makes it a crucial pollinator for a wider range of plant species than many shorter tongued bees.
Nesting and Habitat
Garden bumblebees typically nest underground or in sheltered, dark cavities. Abandoned mouse holes and compost heaps are common nesting sites. They favour dry, undisturbed areas where they can build and maintain their colonies safely.
These bees thrive in habitats rich in flowering plants, including gardens, hedgerows, woodland edges and open countryside.
Diet and Foraging
Like all bumblebees, their diet consists of nectar and pollen. Nectar provides energy for flight, while pollen supplies essential protein for developing larvae. As they move from flower to flower, their feet leave behind a faint chemical scent, signalling to other bees that a flower has already been visited and may no longer contain nectar.
Colony Life Cycle
The lifecycle of the garden bumblebee is annual. In early spring, a queen emerges from hibernation and begins searching for a suitable nesting site. Once established, she lays eggs and raises the first generation of worker bees.
As the colony grows throughout spring and summer, workers take over foraging duties while the queen continues to lay eggs. Towards the end of the season, new queens and males are produced. After mating, the new queens find a safe place to hibernate through the winter. The rest of the colony gradually dies off in autumn.
Fascinating Biology
Garden bumblebees possess five eyes. They have two large compound eyes that detect movement and three smaller simple eyes on top of their heads that sense light intensity. This combination helps them navigate and forage efficiently.
Their flight is equally impressive; their wings beat between 130 and 240 times per second and move in a figure of eight motion rather than simply up and down. This unique movement allows them to remain airborne despite their relatively large, heavy bodies.
Bumblebees and Other Species
There are over 250 species of bumblebee worldwide, most of which are found in temperate regions. The garden bumblebee is just one of several species present in Britain.
Compared to honeybees, bumblebees are generally larger, rounder and much hairier. Honeybees have a slimmer, more wasp-like appearance and rely on permanent colonies, whereas bumblebee colonies last for just one season.
Supporting Garden Bumblebees
Gardeners can play an important role in supporting these vital insects. Planting nectar rich flowers that bloom from early spring to late autumn ensures a continuous food source. Including deep, tubular flowers is particularly beneficial for this species.
Leaving parts of the garden slightly wild, such as long grass or undisturbed corners, can provide suitable nesting sites. Avoiding pesticide use also helps protect both individual bees and entire colonies!
An Important Part of the Ecosystem
The garden bumblebee may seem like a small and ordinary visitor, but its impact is far reaching. From pollinating crops to supporting wild plant diversity, it plays a key role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Encouraging its presence is not only good for gardens, but for the wider natural world as well.