Friday, July 21, 2023

The Friendly Bumblebee

 


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. 

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