Recent Discovery

Europe

In Britain and the Netherlands, both bees and plants are disappearing.  Scientists are unsure if, bees disappeared first or the plants. Both disappearing trends of bees and plants are having a great impact on the crops and wild species. Dr. Koos Biesmeijer of the University of Leeds in Britain and his colleagues have conducted research and found that 80 percent of the bee population has fallen since 1980.  The research also shows that most of the bee species are declining or have become extinct.
In Scotland, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust has started a new project to try and save the endangered bumblebee.  They have hired a specially trained cocker spaniel to find any rare bumblebees.  The organization hopes to discover the amount of bumblebees that remain and find solutions on how to save them.
Environmentalist website, www.Celsias.com, has conducted research projects and has written numerous articles about the disappearance of bees.  Their latest article reported that Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Switzerland, Poland, and possibly the United Kingdom have all experienced the declination of bees.  In most of these countries bee withdrawal is, at this point, only affecting the beekeepers.  Beekeepers in these countries are worried that the problem will spread and affect other aspects of the country like in the United States.
Spain is home to a quarter of the European Union’s bees, with 2.3 million hives. Scientists have said that 50 percent of the hives are infected with a new parasite that is killing the hives. Scientist, Mariano Higes, and his colleagues have studied hives in many countries and have found that a parasite common in Asian bees have been the reason for the disappearance of bees.  In a laboratory experiment, the parasite, nosema ceranae found in Asian bees, can kill the European honeybee within a matter of days. Higes states that this parasite is far more dangerous than any other possible reason for the disappearance of bees.  He also said that the hive can become infected within 2 months and within 6 to 18 months, the whole colony can disappear.  Mr. Higes and his team have traveled across the world to do research and found that the parasite has gone into Austria, Slovenia, Canada, and Argentina.

Antigua

In Antigua, the disappearance of bees is affecting the production of honey, one of Antigua’s main exports.  Scientists are positive that the disappearance is a result of the varroa mites infecting the bees.  The mites came into Antigua from a shipment of construction pipes.  This has caused Antigua to struggle in completing orders of honey.  Not only does the shortage of honey affect the economy of Antigua but it also affects the countries that rely on the importation of honey from Antigua.

Bumblebees

Bumblebees are considered to be beneficial insects because they pollinate crops and plants. They are very social bees and live in large "families".

Unlike honeybees, bumblebees can sting more than once because their stingers are smooth and do not get caught in the skin when they fly away.

Size: 1"
Shape: Oval, bee shaped
Color: Black with yellow stripes

Legs: 6

Wings: Yes

Antenna: Yes

Common Name: Bumble Bee
Kingdom: Animalia    

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Hymenoptera

Family: Apidae

Species: Bombus

DIET

Worker bees gather both pollen and nectar from flowers to feed to the larvae and other members of the colony.

HABITAT

Bumblebees often nest in the ground, but can be found above ground around patio areas or decks. They will sometimes build their nests in attics or under roof beams. If disturbed, bumblebees will buzz in a loud volume, and they will aggressively defend their nests.

IMPACT

As part of the aggressive defense of their nests, bumblebees will chase nest invaders for long distances. The bumblebee sting is one of the most painful stings. Swelling and irritation can last for days after you are actually stung.

PREVENTION

• Bumblebees can be prevented through inspection of potential nesting areas and removal of potential nesting materials.
• Because bumblebees will sting when threatened, homeowners are advised not to address the infestation themselves. A pest management professional or beekeeper should be called in to help.