Did you know that 1 out of every 3 or 4 bits of food you eat was grown with the help of a bee? They pollinate flowers, fruits, and vegetables, and these helpful insects are anything but pests!
These fuzzy black-yellow-and-white bees are called “habitat generalists,” which means they’re happy to live in a variety of different ecosystems. Western bumblebees used to be found in habitats across western North America, from the mountains to forests to prairie grasslands.
A Busy, Buzzy Life!
A bumblebee’s life starts with the queen of the hive. She’s the only bee to survive the winter (she hibernates through the cold months), and in the spring she has one job: to find the perfect place to lay her eggs and start building a new colony. Popular areas for bee nests are under buildings (like sheds) and in abandoned rodent burrows. The first eggs the queen lays develop into female worker bees. They help by collecting pollen and nectar, and taking care of the larvae and the nest. Later in the season, eggs develop into male bees and new queens. These queens survive the winter, starting the cycle over.
The Western Bumblebee used to be one of the most common bumblebees in North America, but sadly its populations are declining. That’s why we need your help!
Head to the Adoptions Section in the Earth Rangers App or visit the Earth Rangers Shop to get your Adoption Kits and help make a difference today!
Wow, these bees are SO IMPORTANT!!!
I want to get one now
I had no idea how important bee’s were!
I did know that only the queen bee survives
I love bees so much.