An intriguing study published on Wednesday revealed that bumblebees have the remarkable ability to survive underwater for extended periods. This discovery suggests that they may be equipped to endure the increased flooding caused by climate change, which poses a threat to their winter hibernation sites.
The rise in global temperatures has led to more frequent and severe floods worldwide, presenting an unforeseen challenge for soil-dwelling creatures like bees that nest or hibernate underground. Nigel Raine, a co-author from the University of Guelph, emphasized the significance of this finding in a recent statement.
Rondeau, the lead researcher, stumbled upon the bumblebees’ resilience to drowning accidentally. While investigating the impact of pesticide residues on queen bumblebees that seek shelter underground during winter, she observed that some bees survived when water entered their tubes.
Despite her initial panic, Rondeau was relieved to find that only a small number of bees were affected. This incident, although unplanned, shed light on the bees’ surprising ability to withstand submersion.
2024-04-17 08:00:02
Post from phys.org