Bumble Bees

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Bumble Bees
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In the world of insects, there are many
interesting subjects.
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In this presentation we shall examine a
member of the insect family.
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For the purpose of insect classification,
an insect is defined as a small six-legged
air-breathing animal with well-defined body
segments.
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As the weather begins to warm and flowers
and trees burst into bloom, you are likely to see
many insects flying about.
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Maybe the most intimidating of the flying
bugs is the bumble bee. With its black and
yellow, hairy body the bumble bee is quite an
impressive figure.
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The bumble can appear a bit frightening
when you see it buzzing about with its stinger
descending from its underside.
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There are fifty species of the bumble bee
in North America and they usually reside in
temperate climates.
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Bumble bees can control their body
temperature. While this ability is not unique, it
is rare. Only a few members of the insect world
possess this ability.
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During colder weather the bumble bee can
use the movement of its wings to increase body
temperature. This allows them to function at
lower temperatures than other bees and insects.
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Bumble bees also use their hairy
coverings and large sized bodies as protection
against the cold.
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An interesting fact about bumble bees is
that unlike their close relatives the honey bees,
their colonies do not survive year round.
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When the warm weather disappears, so does
the colony. The bumble bees survival is
dependant upon hibernating queen bees, who will
be responsible for repopulating the colony in the
spring.
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The survival of the bumble bee is
important to humans. They are major pollinators
of plants.
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These bees are vital in the production of
crops vital to the Unites States economy such as
corn, not to mention many other vegetables and
fruits.
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