Bumble Bees Are Highly Efficient Pollinators

 

Number two of the ten things that you probably don’t know about bumblebees is that they are native to the United States. They are also more efficient at pollinating flowers than honeybees. Having larger bodies allows them to carry much heavier loads of pollen. Even though they seem to fly much more slowly than their honeybee relatives, they can move more quickly from plant to plant and transfer greater loads of pollen to the flowers that they visit.

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. 

 

May 20^th is World Bee Day! This international day celebrates bees and acknowledges their significant role as pollinators for our ecosystem. Bees are responsible for pollinating three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants as well as most of our food crops. So today, don’t take these small creatures for granted but give thanks to what they do for you and the rest of humankind!

Happy Earth Day - Plant Milkweed for Monarchs!

 

Happy Earth Day! One way to help Mother Earth is to plant native milkweed. Once planted, monarch butterflies will lay their eggs and soon you’ll discover caterpillars eating the leaves. Don’t worry, the caterpillars pupate and before they hatch, the milkweed grows back in time for the mature monarch butterflies to feed on the flowers’ nectar. Adult butterflies lay their eggs and the circle of life begins again!

Earth Month - April 2023

Happy Earth Month, April 2023. Do your part to help our planet thrive by helping our Earth’s pollinators! Support science-based groups like the Pollinator Partnership that promote practical ways to help pollinators in trouble through conservation, education, and research.

Munching Monarchs

 

Monarch caterpillars are voracious eaters because it is during their larval stage that Monarchs do all their growing. They even eat their shell after they hatch and their molted (shedded) skin as they grow! Look at the mini monarch caterpillar near his giant friend who shows how large they must become before they pupate and hatch as bright orange and black butterflies who are great garden pollinators!

Do Bees Hibernate In Winter?

No, although they stay in the hive as much as possible and eat honey stored for the winter. 

The female worker bees form a large cluster and vibrate their bodies to generate heat to stay warm. The fortunate queen bee is in the center where the temperature is warmer than the outside of the cluster – an advantage to “bee-ing” royalty!