Bumblebee -

: They average about 1.5 to 2.5 cm (0.6 to 1 inch) in length.

: They possess two large compound eyes, three simple eyes (ocelli), and sensitive antennae used for detecting odors and ultraviolet light.

: Workers take over foraging duties, collecting pollen and nectar to feed the growing larvae. Bumblebee

: The queen builds wax cells, lays eggs, and "broods" them until they hatch into workers.

Bumblebees (genus Bombus ) are robust, hairy insects known for their distinctive black and yellow (or orange) banded coloration and their vital role as pollinators. Unlike the larger, perennial colonies of honeybees, bumblebees typically live in smaller, annual colonies that focus on rapid growth and reproduction within a single season. : They average about 1

: An inseminated queen emerges from hibernation (usually in the ground) and searches for a nesting site, often an abandoned rodent burrow.

: Despite old myths, bumblebees achieve flight through high-frequency wing movements that create unique patterns of lift, supported by powerful wing muscles. Life Cycle and Colony Behavior A typical bumblebee colony follows a seasonal cycle: : The queen builds wax cells, lays eggs,

Bumblebees are easily identified by their "fuzzy" appearance, caused by insulating hairs that help them regulate their body temperature, a trait known as facultative endothermy.