Bombus transversalis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bombus transversalis |
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Bombus
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transversalis
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The Bombus transversalis is a special kind of bumblebee that lives only in the Amazon Basin. What makes it stand out is that it builds its nests right on the rainforest floor. Unlike most other bumblebees, B. transversalis can live well in a very wet climate. It also protects itself from many animals because its nests are very strong. We know a lot about their nests and how they find food. But there's still more to learn about how they live together and their life cycle.
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About this Bumblebee
Bombus transversalis belongs to a group of insects called Hymenoptera. This group includes bees, ants, wasps, and sawflies. It is part of the Bombus family. Most bumblebees live in cooler places and build their homes underground. But Bombus transversalis has learned to live in hot, wet, tropical areas. It builds its nests on the ground. It's the only bee in its group that builds its own nests using leaves and twigs.
Where They Live
You can mostly find Bombus transversalis in the low-lying tropical rainforests of the Amazon. They live in many parts of South America, like Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil. They are known as the bumblebees that settled in the Neotropical rainforests. This means they are good at living in a humid climate with lots of rain. Their nests are built on soil that doesn't flood. They often build them near tree roots or among bushes for support.
How a Colony Grows
The life of a Bombus transversalis colony depends on the time of year. New colonies start during the wet season. During this time, the colony keeps growing bigger. When the dry season arrives, the bees start to reproduce for a few months. But when the wet season comes again, the old colony ends. A new colony will then start when the queen bee finds a good spot.
Finding Food
Telling Others About Food
Even though Bombus transversalis is unique, it's still a social bee. This means it lives in a group and works together. It acts a lot like another well-known bumblebee, the Bombus terrestris. Even though these two bees are not closely related, Bombus transversalis still tells its colony about food sources. This makes more bees go in and out of the nest to collect food.
Walking Trails
B. transversalis bees use walking paths, much like ants do. These paths go out from the nest in different directions. About 20 worker bees patrol these trails. They collect materials and find food along the way. Workers on the trail cut leaves and other bits into small pieces. Then they push them to the side to clear the path. Bees have been seen doing this in pairs, passing debris to the bee behind them. You might see lines of five or more bees walking along these trails near their nest. One main reason for these trails is to forage for food. This is special because most bees fly to find their food.
Their Nests
Nest Structure
The nest of the Bombus transversalis is very detailed. It looks like a cone and has two separate sections inside. Often, they build on old nests, so there might be empty cells. The brood comb, where the young bees grow, is at the top. It's surrounded by large honey storage areas. Some are full of honey, but many are empty because there's plenty of space. The colony has only one entrance. It's open and easy to see, but usually 2 to 5 worker bees guard it. The whole colony is covered by a thick pile of twigs, leaves, and roots. This cover acts like a roof. It's very dense and keeps water out. It also creates a space for air, which helps the bees control the temperature and wetness inside the nest.
Building the Nest
The trails that Bombus transversalis bees make also help them build their nest. Worker bees cut up twigs, leaves, and other bits from the forest floor. They bring these pieces back to the nest to add to the roof. As long as the trails are used, workers will keep clearing them, even if leaves fall from trees. So, the trails of Bombus transversalis help both with finding food and building the nest.
Choosing a Nest Spot
A queen Bombus transversalis must pick her nesting spot very carefully. This is important for her colony to do well. First, she needs to find an area with good soil that won't flood when it rains a lot. Second, she needs strong support for her nest. This often means building near the roots of a big tree or among small trees and bushes. This gives the workers a strong base to build the nest's roof. It also provides good shade for the nest.
Controlling Their Home's Climate
Most Bombus bees live in cooler places and cannot handle the humidity and heat of the tropics. But the Bombus transversalis has adapted to be strong. Because of how its nest is built, with a woven roof covering the colony, the bees can stay dry even during heavy Amazonian rains. A well-built roof creates a small air space between the roof and the young bees. This helps to keep the colony warm and balance the moisture. If a colony is weak, moisture can get into that air space, which can cause mold. Also, it's thought that when the sun is hottest, worker bees stand at the nest entrance and fan the nest. This helps to lower the temperature and humidity inside.
Other Animals They Meet
Army Ants
Since Bombus transversalis builds its nest on the rainforest floor, it can be attacked by animals on the ground. One such animal is the army ant Eciton hamatum. In a small area of the forest floor, there's a good chance of being raided by army ants over eight months. The main way Bombus transversalis defends itself is through its nest structure. The colony is covered with a thick roof of leaves and roots. So, the only way to get into the colony is through the single entrance. This entrance is usually guarded if it's not raining. While this doesn't stop all attacks, it's a good defense most of the time.
Wasps and Moths
Bombus transversalis nests can be taken over by moths. This is a bit of a mystery because the nest has only one entrance and is usually well-guarded. Somehow, the moths manage to sneak in or are allowed to enter the nest. Once inside, the moth larvae (baby moths) will then eat the bee's young. By watching Bombus transversalis and these moths, scientists also found a new kind of parasitoid wasp. This wasp belongs to the group called Apanteles.
