- Bombus terrestris, commonly known as the buff-tailed bumblebee or large earth bumblebee, is one of the most widespread and important bumblebee species in Europe. This social insect belongs to the genus Bombus and is notable for its large size, distinctive coloring, and crucial role in both natural ecosystems and agricultural pollination.
- The physical appearance of B. terrestris is characterized by its robust body covered in dense fur-like hair, with distinct black and yellow bands. Queens are particularly large, measuring up to 22mm in length, while workers are smaller at 11-17mm. The species gets its common name from the buff-colored tail of the queens, though workers typically have white tails. Males can be distinguished by their yellow facial hair and slightly different banding patterns.
- The life cycle of B. terrestris begins in early spring when queens emerge from hibernation. These mated queens search for suitable nesting sites, typically underground in abandoned rodent burrows or similar cavities. The queen establishes a colony by laying eggs and provisioning the first brood with pollen and nectar. This first generation develops into worker bees that then take over foraging and nest maintenance duties while the queen focuses on egg-laying.
- B. terrestris colonies can grow to contain several hundred individuals, though typically ranging from 100-200 workers at peak size. The colony produces new queens and males in late summer. After mating, the new queens feed intensively to build fat reserves before seeking winter hibernation sites, while the old colony, including the original queen and workers, naturally dies off as winter approaches.
- This species is particularly valued in agriculture due to its effectiveness as a pollinator. It has been commercially reared since the 1980s for crop pollination, especially in greenhouse settings. B. terrestris is particularly effective at “buzz pollination,” where the bee vibrates its flight muscles to release pollen from certain flowers, making it especially valuable for crops like tomatoes and peppers.
- The foraging behavior of B. terrestris is highly sophisticated. Workers can travel up to several kilometers from their nest in search of food, showing remarkable navigation abilities and flower handling skills. They are generalist foragers, visiting a wide range of plant species, but show flower constancy during individual foraging trips, making them efficient pollinators.
- B. terrestris has demonstrated remarkable adaptability to different environments and climates, which has led to its successful introduction in many parts of the world for agricultural purposes. However, this has also raised concerns about its potential impact on native bee species and ecosystems where it has been introduced outside its natural range.
- The species faces various threats in modern environments, including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, climate change, and disease. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable habitat with diverse flowering plants throughout the season and reducing exposure to harmful agricultural chemicals. Understanding and protecting B. terrestris is crucial for both ecological balance and agricultural productivity.
- Research on B. terrestris continues to reveal fascinating aspects of their behavior, including their cognitive abilities, social organization, and responses to environmental challenges. Their study has contributed significantly to our understanding of insect societies, pollination ecology, and the impacts of environmental change on important pollinator species.
- In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the role of B. terrestris as a model organism for studying the effects of climate change and agricultural practices on pollinator populations. Their responses to various stressors provide valuable insights for conservation strategies and sustainable agricultural practices.
