Bumblebee queens have been found to engage in a fascinating behavior that helps them ensure the timely availability of flowers for their colonies. Recent research reveals that these queens, like worker bees, damage plant leaves to accelerate flowering. This behavior is crucial for the survival and success of bumblebee colonies, especially during early development stages when resources are scarce.
Climate change and other environmental factors can disrupt the delicate timing between plants and pollinators. Bumblebees, which rely heavily on flowers for pollen and nectar, face significant challenges when these resources are not available on schedule. This can severely impact their fitness and colony success.
Researchers have discovered that bumblebee workers damage plant leaves to speed up flowering when pollen is scarce. Now, it’s been found that mated and unmated queens of Bombus terrestris also exhibit this behavior. The damage typically results in crescent-shaped holes in leaves, similar to those made by workers. This behavior is not limited to B. terrestris; it has been observed in 12 species across seven subgenera of bumblebees.
Newly mated queens are responsible for founding new colonies alone in early spring. During this critical phase, they must find enough resources to feed their young. By damaging leaves, queens can ensure that flowers bloom sooner, providing the necessary pollen and nectar for their colonies. This strategy helps mitigate gaps in flower availability, which can be crucial for colony survival and performance.
The discovery highlights the complex interactions between bumblebees and plants. It shows how these pollinators can influence the timing of flower production to their advantage. This behavior is particularly important in the face of environmental challenges, where ensuring timely access to resources can be a matter of life and death for bumblebee colonies.
