Bumblebee queens have a fascinating survival skill: they can survive underwater for an entire week. This surprising ability was discovered at the University of Guelph in Ontario. After a lab accident caused their hibernation tubes to flood, researchers found that these queens not only survived but were also able to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide while submerged. Their metabolism slowed down by about 99%, which is quite remarkable.
Scientists believe that bumblebee queens might use anaerobic respiration, a method that doesn’t require oxygen, similar to how humans generate energy during intense exercise. The way these bees breathe underwater is still a bit of a mystery. Some researchers think a physical gill may be involved, acting like a thin layer of air around the bees that allows gas exchange with the water.
This adaptation could be common among the roughly 250 species of bumblebees. Their ancestors evolved in snowy areas where winter burrows often flood when the snow melts. Understanding how these queens survive could help researchers learn more about their winter survival tactics.
A biologist who didn’t work on this research described the findings as “remarkable,” highlighting their potential to expand our understanding of bumblebee behaviors. Future studies may focus on how different water conditions affect their survival and the role of the potential gill.
These insights shed light not only on the resilience of bumblebees but also on the broader adaptations in nature. As climate change poses varied challenges—like flooding and shifting habitats—studying resilient species like these queens can offer clues on survival strategies for other wildlife.
For more insights on bumblebee survival and adaptations, check out the New York Times article.
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