BUMBLEBEES

 1. Fuzzy and Friendly: 

Bumblebees are known for their round, fuzzy appearance and are generally more docile compared to other bees.

2. Efficient Pollinators: 

They use a technique called "buzz pollination," where they vibrate their wings to release pollen from flowers, making them excellent pollinators for crops like tomatoes and blueberries.

3. Diverse Family: 

There are about 250 known species of bumblebees, and they are found mostly in temperate climates.

4. Short Life Span: 

Worker bumblebees only live for a few weeks, while queens can live up to a year if conditions are favorable.

5. Nesting Habits:

 Bumblebees typically nest in abandoned rodent burrows, thick grass, or compost piles, unlike honeybees that build hives.

6. Social Structure: 

A bumblebee colony includes a queen, worker bees, and males (drones). The queen's primary role is to lay eggs.

7. Cold-Weather Survivors: 

Bumblebees can fly in cooler temperatures and lower light levels compared to other bees, making them active in conditions where honeybees might not be.

8. Not Always Stingers:

 Female bumblebees can sting, but they rarely do unless provoked. Unlike honeybees, their sting is not barbed, so they can sting multiple times.

9. Energetic Flyers:

 They beat their wings approximately 130-240 times per second and can carry loads close to their body weight.

10. At Risk: 

Due to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use, bumblebee populations are declining, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.