According to a new study, bumblebees don't just work hard—they like to play too. Scientists observed that the little insects enjoy rolling small wooden balls for no apparent reason other than for pleasure. "As humans, we might believe that we are the smartest and perhaps the … [Read more...] about Study reveals bumblebees play with toys for fun, too
pollinators
These microbes could help honey bees thrive
As we like to remind our readers a lot at The Optimist Daily, honeybees are essential for our planet's ecosystem. Humans rely on these little pollinators for food security as they basically pollinate everything! Not to mention the countless other species that rely on plants to … [Read more...] about These microbes could help honey bees thrive
The shape of flowers reduces parasites transmitted to bumblebees
Bumblebees are furry and critical pollinators that are sadly vulnerable to many things such as heat and predators. Another thing that affects their populations that we can keep an eye out for in our gardens is parasites. Recent research from North Carolina State University … [Read more...] about The shape of flowers reduces parasites transmitted to bumblebees
4 fascinating facts about bees to celebrate Bee Day
May 20th is Bee Day! So, to celebrate our fabulous pollinating friends, here are four facts that go beyond their all-important role in plant cross-fertilization. Females are the future Female bees have different jobs depending on the species, but in all communities, female bees … [Read more...] about 4 fascinating facts about bees to celebrate Bee Day
Six ways to encourage pollinating bees in your garden
Bees are the most prolific pollinators on the planet and every gardener’s best friend. The majority of flowering plants in the world need the help of pollinating animals like bees to reproduce, and they pleasantly add a gentle buzz to the air. So how do you make sure that … [Read more...] about Six ways to encourage pollinating bees in your garden