Scientists have recently uncovered an extraordinary ability of the common eastern bumblebee queens: surviving underwater for up to a week during their hibernation period.

This finding not only broadens our understanding of bumblebee resilience but also hints at their potential adaptability to the increasing threats of climate change.

Photo: Pexels
Researchers discovered that hibernating queen bumblebees can survive underwater for up to a week.

Accidental Discovery Leads to Significant Insights

The discovery occurred unexpectedly when researchers at Canada’s University of Guelph, including Dr. Sabrina Rondeau and Professor Nigel Raine, observed that queen bumblebees submerged in water due to a lab mishap were still alive after a week, reports CNN.

This serendipitous observation led to further experiments, which confirmed that these bees could indeed survive prolonged submersion.

Photo: Pexels
The discovery was made accidentally during a laboratory experiment at the University of Guelph.

Understanding the Mechanisms of Survival

Researchers speculate that during their hibernation, bumblebee queens enter a state called diapause, which significantly lowers their metabolism and reduces their oxygen needs, reports Smithsonian.

This biological adjustment likely plays a critical role in their survival underwater. The bees' ability to close their respiratory spiracles to prevent water intake and possibly breathe through their skin were considered crucial adaptations observed during the study, WION News reports.

Photo: Pexels
Bumblebees enter a state called diapause during hibernation, which may aid their underwater survival.

Implications for Bumblebee Conservation

The resilience of bumblebee queens to flooding is particularly significant given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to global warming. By understanding the extent of their survival capabilities, conservation efforts can be better directed.

“One-third of all bumblebee species around the world are in decline right now, and so if we are able to discard flooding as being a potential threat to bees, then we can focus our attention on other threats that we know for sure are harming them,” ecologist Sabrina Rondeau told the Smithsonian.

Photo: Pexels
This resilience could help bumblebees adapt to flooding caused by climate change.

Broader Impact on Ecosystems and Agriculture

The survival skills of these bees hold more than just academic interest. As pollinators, bumblebees play a crucial role in the sustainability of our ecosystems and the production of food crops.

Professor Raine emphasized the importance of these findings, telling CNN that “understanding wild pollinators is really important," for food security and maintaining healthy terrestrial ecosystems.

Photo: Pexels
About 81% of bees submerged for a full week survived, with little difference from the control group.

Future Research Directions

Looking ahead, researchers plan to extend their studies to see if other bee species can also withstand long periods underwater and to further explore the physiological mechanisms behind this resilience. The findings so far suggest a potential avenue for discovering how bumblebees and other similar species might adapt to and survive environmental challenges posed by climate change, reports WION News.

The ability of hibernating queen bumblebees to survive underwater up to a week reveals a remarkable aspect of their biology. This resilience not only provides insights into their adaptive capabilities but also reinforces the importance of protecting these vital pollinators against the backdrop of global environmental changes.

Click below and help take action for bumblebees.