Bumblebees (Bombus sp.).

Bumblebees are amazing insects. They are little cute fuzzy bugs that fly around from flower to flower. How on earth do they fly? The body of a bumblebee is so large compared to its wings that it should not be able to take off! The wings are incredibly small compared to the size of the body. But, it’s not the size that counts here, it’s the speed and the pattern.

The wings beets at about 240-350 times a second (!) and in the shape of the number eight. This makes enough energy for lift-off!

Look at the diversity of the species in the picture. Its made by NINA (Norwegian Institute for natural research) to spread information about bumblebees and their importance.

These species are some of the most important pollinators. They are so effective and have specialized to specific plants.

But, a lot of them are either endangered or on its way to becomming endangered. This is for many reasons. Some of them are:

• Habitat destruction
• Pestecides
• Competition

Habitat destruction is making it difficult for the queen to stay safe over the winter and for her to find a new place to start her collony in early spring.

The insects eats nectar from flowers that they find on their way. If the plant has been treated with pestecides the consentration of pestecieds is very high the nectar. The insects that eats this will either get sick, or even die. They also bring it back to the colony and it might spread there as well.

The competition is fearse! Many bumblebees are getting outnumberd by imported honeybees. Bee keeping is one of the most destructive things for bublebees. Just imagine a colony of 300.000 honeybees getting loose on an area. The honey bees will get most of the nectar and keep on coming. They are polorizing an area. The local workers (bumblebees, wasps, butterflies and more) are not as quick as these imported honey bees.

This got so much longer than expected. I can go on forever with this:)
Upcoming posts:

• the life of a bubmlebee
• what plants to have in your garden
• what to do when you meet a tired Queen

Can you find a bumblebee or maybe even a Queen?