All About Teddy Bear Bees
Teddy Bear Bees, also known as Amegilla bombiformisi, are a species of bumblebees that are commonly found in North America. They are named after their furry appearance and cute, teddy bear-like appearance. These bees are not only adorable, but they are also crucial pollinators for many types of plants and flowers.
Appearance
- Teddy bear bees are known for their distinctive fuzzy and plush-like appearance, which is often golden brown or light brown in colour.
- They are small in size, typically between 0.5 to 1.5 inches long.
- They have a thick and fluffy coat of hair that covers their entire body, giving them a teddy bear-like appearance.
- They have distinct black and yellow markings on their bodies, which make them easily recognizable.
- They have two large, black antennae on their head, which they use to sense their environment and communicate with other bees.
- Their wings are transparent and are usually folded neatly when they are at rest.
- Teddy bear bees have six legs, which they use to climb and grip surfaces while they work.
- They have a plump and round body shape, which contributes to their teddy bear-like appearance.
- They have long, fuzzy hairs on their legs, which help to trap and carry pollen back to their nests.
Life Cycle of Teddy Bear Bees
- The cycle starts with the queen bee laying eggs in the cells of the honeycomb.
- The eggs hatch into larvae after three days. The larvae are fed royal jelly by the worker bees.
- After five days, the larvae spin cocoons and become pupae. The pupae undergo metamorphosis and become adult bees.
- After 12-14 days, adult bees emerge from their cocoons as teddy bear bees.
Habits
- They are active foragers that gather nectar and pollen from various flower species.
- They are social insects and communicate with each other to maintain a harmonious and efficient hive.
- Teddy bear bee have a strong defensive instinct and will protect their hives from predators and intruders.
- When the population of their hives grows, they create new colonies by swarming and forming new hives.
- They forage for food during the day, when the weather is warm and sunny, and return to the hive in the evening.
- Teddy bear bees are responsible for rearing new queens in their hives, which are essential for maintaining the health and survival of the colony.
- Their activity levels vary seasonally, with a peak in the spring and summer, and a decrease in the winter.