Page 169 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

BUMBLE BEE BUMBLE BEE

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
BUMBLE BEE

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
1.Antenna- short 6.Thorax- holding wings BUMBLE BEE
2.Eyes- compound 7.Petiole- none 5
3.Head 8.Abdomen- larger than body 8
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- yellow & black
5.Wings- 2 pair 10.Other 1
Life Cycle
Fertilized Bumble bee queens must hibernate by digging a small chamber in
the soil. In spring, they reappear and establish a nest. The queen then builds a
“honey pot” and fills it with nectar, then builds a cell, usually from a mixture of 6
wax and pollen, for her eggs. The eggs of the first brood vary in number from 1
per cell to as many as 10-12. The larvae hatch in 3-5 days. About 3 weeks are
required for larval and pupal development stages. If larvae receive ample food,
they become queens, but if partially starved, they become workers.
Drawing by Andrew Schaible
BUMBLE BEE Actual size 1”

Bumble bees are found almost world wide in distribution. Unlike most social insects, they are
most numerous in temperate climates. Occasionally, they are even found in Arctic zones. All
are nest builders and the colony consists of queens, drones, and workers. Bumble bee colo-
nies generally contain a few hundred individuals, although the population of a thriving colony
may reach between 1,000 and 2,000 bees. These bees are the best pollinators in the world
because of the size and the rapid movement of their wings. They are sought after by tomato
farmers who believe the pollination effectiveness of one Bumble bee is worth several hundred
honey bees. Bumble bees are easily recognized by their size (about an inch) and color (all
have black and yellow, most species have bands).

169