Large, fuzzy insects buzzing among flowers often spark curiosity. These substantial, distinctive insects are frequently seen in gardens and wild spaces, leading many to wonder about these “big, fat bees.”
Meet the Bumblebee
The large, fuzzy insects often called “big, fat bees” are bumblebees. They belong to the genus Bombus, part of the Apidae family. These social insects typically form colonies with a single queen. Their nests are generally smaller than honeybee nests, often housing 50 to 400 individuals. Bumblebees are identified by their rounded bodies, covered in soft, dense hair, giving them their characteristic fuzzy appearance and buzzing sound.
Why They Appear So Large
Bumblebees appear “big and fat” due to several physical characteristics. Their bodies are large and stout, with a more rounded abdomen. A dense, insulating layer of hair, known as “pile,” covers their entire body, contributing to their bulky look. This thick fur provides insulation, helping them maintain a stable body temperature, particularly in cooler climates or early in the spring when temperatures are lower. Bumblebees can actively shiver their flight muscles to generate heat, which is necessary for flight. This ability allows them to forage in conditions that might be too cold for other bees.
Diversity Among Bumblebees
The term “bumblebee” refers not to a single type of bee, but to a diverse group of over 250 species within the Bombus genus. These species, while sharing common characteristics like their fuzzy bodies, exhibit variations in size, color patterns, and habitat preferences. For instance, the largest known bumblebee species, Bombus dahlbomii from Chile, can measure up to 1.6 inches long, while common species like Bombus terrestris have queens up to 0.9 inches. Their warning coloration often consists of contrasting bands of black and yellow, but some species can also display orange, red, or white markings, with these patterns helping to distinguish between different species. Bumblebees are found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, inhabiting a range of environments from urban areas and farmlands to higher latitudes and altitudes.
Their Essential Role
Bumblebees play an important role as pollinators for a wide variety of plants, including many crops and wildflowers. They are particularly effective pollinators, sometimes more so than honeybees for certain plants, due to their ability to work in cooler temperatures and their larger bodies, which can carry more pollen. A unique pollination method employed by many bumblebee species is “buzz pollination” or sonication. This involves the bee grasping a flower and rapidly vibrating its flight muscles, causing pollen to be dislodged from the flower’s anthers. This technique is essential for the pollination of specific crops such as tomatoes, blueberries, and cranberries.
Despite their buzzing presence, bumblebees are generally not aggressive and will typically only sting if they feel threatened or their nest is disturbed. They are usually focused on collecting nectar and pollen, making them generally safe to observe in their natural habitats.