Queen bumble bees are able to survive for days in flooded underground nests by drastically slowing their metabolism and using underwater respiration, according to findings published on Apr. 4.
This discovery is significant because it reveals how these pollinators endure harsh winter conditions, especially as climate patterns change and flooding becomes more common. Bumble bee queens play a key role in starting new colonies each year, so understanding their resilience helps inform conservation efforts.
The research began when scientist Sabrina Rondeau noticed that some queen bumble bees she was studying survived after being accidentally submerged in water during laboratory experiments. In a follow-up study with 143 common eastern bumble bee queens (Bombus impatiens), Rondeau found that nearly 90 percent of the queens survived being underwater for up to seven days. Further experiments showed that the bees could breathe underwater by consuming oxygen and producing carbon dioxide at very low rates. The study concluded: “this study demonstrates that diapausing bumble bee queens can survive week-long submersion by entering a state of profound metabolic depression, supported by aquatic respiration and anaerobic metabolism, which together make them resilient to flooding.”
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources supports such research through public contributions according to the official website. The organization promotes sustainable practices aimed at strengthening ecosystems and economic vitality according to the official website. It operates nine research and extension centers across California’s diverse ecosystems according to the official website, conducts over 33,000 educational events annually, and engages more than 18,000 volunteers according to the official website.
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources is part of the University of California system managing Cooperative Extension services according to the official website. It extends university research into all 58 counties through educational programs designed to promote sustainable agriculture and resource management while supporting community development according to the official website.
These findings about queen bumble bee survival provide new insight into pollinator resilience as environmental conditions change. Future studies may further explore how these insects adapt physiologically during extreme weather events.
