: In late summer, the colony produces new queens and drones (males). After mating, the old queen and her workers die, leaving only the new mated queens to hibernate for the winter. Ecological Importance: Buzz Pollination bumblebee - Students | Britannica Kids | Homework Help
: They possess two large compound eyes, three simple eyes (ocelli), and sensitive antennae used for detecting odors and ultraviolet light. Bumblebee
: Workers take over foraging duties, collecting pollen and nectar to feed the growing larvae. : In late summer, the colony produces new
: Despite old myths, bumblebees achieve flight through high-frequency wing movements that create unique patterns of lift, supported by powerful wing muscles. Life Cycle and Colony Behavior A typical bumblebee colony follows a seasonal cycle: : Workers take over foraging duties, collecting pollen
Bumblebees are easily identified by their "fuzzy" appearance, caused by insulating hairs that help them regulate their body temperature, a trait known as facultative endothermy.
: They average about 1.5 to 2.5 cm (0.6 to 1 inch) in length.