- The primary source of food for bumblebees is pollen and nectar.
- Pollen serves as a protein source, while nectar provides essential carbohydrates.
- Bumblebees collect pollen from various flowers using their long tongues and store it in specialized pollen baskets on their hind legs.
- Nectar, a sugary liquid produced by flowers, is consumed directly by bumblebees to obtain energy.
Honeydew:
- Bumblebees may also feed on honeydew, a sweet, sugary substance excreted by certain insects, such as aphids.
- Honeydew provides an alternative source of carbohydrates when flowers are scarce.
Fruit Juices and Tree Sap:
- In some cases, bumblebees might seek out fruit juices and tree sap as supplementary food sources, particularly during times of limited floral resources.