About six kinds of bumblebees are commonly found in Missouri. Look for them at flowers from March through October. For more on these fuzzy flower farmers, buzz over to mdc.mo.gov/field-guide.
Bumblebee
Bee Tough
Queen bumblebees generate heat by buzzing their wing muscles, and their large size helps protect them from cold March weather.
Packing Pollen
Pollen collects on a bumblebee’s fuzzy body as it forages. Female bees push the pollen into “baskets” on their hind legs.
What’s All the Buzz About?
Sometimes, a bumblebee clamps down on a flower and flexes its flight muscles. This creates a whining buzz that shakes pollen loose.
Home Sweet Hole
Bumblebees often nest in abandoned rodent burrows. They also nest in brush piles, birdhouses, and tree cavities.
Colony Careers
In a bumblebee colony, the queen lays eggs, female workers gather pollen, and male drones mate with the queen.
Also In This Issue
These hardworking hounds help their humans solve crimes.
There’s a whole lot of life tucked under a blanket of leaves.
And More...
This Issue's Staff
Photographer – Noppadol Paothong
Photographer – David Stonner
Designer – Marci Porter
Art Director – Ben Nickelson
Editor – Matt Seek
Subscriptions – Marcia Hale
Magazine Manager – Stephanie Thurber