Increasing temperatures are causing bumblebee nests to overheat and lead to larval mortality.

Rising global temperatures may make it too hot for bumblebee nests to survive.

The world’s bumblebee population has been in decline since the 1950s, leading to speculation about its causes, with researchers suggesting everything from pesticides to habitat loss. Some argue that climate change is another cause, as bumblebees are sensitive to changes in temperature.

Researchers at the University of Guelph in Canada reviewed studies dating back to the 1800s and found that regardless of species or region, bumblebees maintain nest temperatures between approximately 28 and 32 degrees Celsius (82 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit). Did. Honeybees are unable to continue breeding when hive temperatures exceed 36°C (97°F), adding new evidence to the idea that increased heat may be partly to blame. I did. Larvae (young bees that resemble insects) are more sensitive to heat than adults, so one intense heat wave can kill the next generation in the hive.

“It is noteworthy that bumblebees appear to have similar nest temperature requirements from the high Arctic to the tropics,” he says. peter kevan At the University of Guelph. “If it’s too hot… there’s a very good chance you’ll die.”

Bumblebees protect their developing larvae by fanning the nest with their flapping wings. But this defense may not be enough to compensate for worsening climate change.High-tech innovations like robots “Honeycomb” that controls the climate Kevan says this may provide some insurance for commercial bee operations, but it’s not a practical solution for roaming wild bees.

It is still important to consider other threats to bumblebees, such as pesticides and habitat loss. Efforts such as planting native wildflower gardens can create much-needed habitat, but bumblebees could face a dire future if warming is not addressed, Kevan said. say.