Bumblebee Queens Display Remarkable Underwater Survival Ability

Recent studies reveal that hibernating bumblebee queens can survive submerged underwater for up to a week, offering potential resilience against climate-induced flooding.

Scientists discovered that hibernating bumblebee queens can endure up to a week underwater, a trait previously unknown in bees.
The accidental finding occurred during pesticide impact studies on queen bees, leading to further targeted research.
Submersion tests showed a high survival rate, with 81% of bees surviving seven days underwater.
This survival ability is attributed to bees' low oxygen needs during hibernation and their capacity to seal off breathing holes.
The findings suggest that increasing flood events due to climate change may not severely impact bumblebee queen populations.