Today I’m going to start with one of the ten things you probably don’t
know about bumblebees: They are fuzzy, friendly bees!
Until about 1910, bumble bees were known as “humble bees”. I wonder
if their original name came from the fact that bumble bees are the gentlest of
bees? Generally, they are very docile and don’t form swarms like honeybees.
Besides, only female bumble bees have stingers and, because they are so
good-natured, it is difficult to make one angry enough to sting you.
To test this theory out, I gently touched a bumble bee while she was
hovering and busy pollinating flowers in my garden. (I don’t recommend that
anyone allergic to bee stings try this!) A light touch didn’t seem to
threaten or make her angry, which goes to show how amiable bumble bees are
towards humans. However, I wouldn’t do this near her home, as she will be
aggressive towards someone who is threatening her nest. More interesting
information about bumblebees will be in my next blog.
