Dead Bees

[Marb67]

I have come to notice of late, especially this season seeing a lot of dead bumble bees on the floor in various places. Streets, countryside etc. Some I have found crawling around sluggishly which I have rescued before they get stepped on. It really saddens me :-(

Has anyone else noticed this ?

[veggiechicken]

Its normal at this time of year for bees to die off. Don't be sad!!
Finding dead bees | Bumblebee Conservation Trust

[Greenfingerpaula]

VC's right, the season ends October so they will be starting to die off, same as the wasps - makes my job a hell of a lot easier too (council pest control lol)

[dogsbody]

Clearing my patio pots out yesterday made 5 homeless, hoepfully as it was such a nice day they all found new homes in some of my other pots.

[Marb67]

Surely they live on till next year. Why would they only last one season ?

[veggiechicken]

That's like saying why don't humans live to be 200. Its not in their nature to do so.
Only the Queen bee hibernates through the winter. There's plenty of information about their lifecycle if you go to the website in the link I gave you and have a look around.

[Two_Sheds]

Surely they live on till next year. Why would they only last one season ?

Because that's the way it is.
Like VC says, only the pregnant Queen bee survives the winter

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...eia_37233.html

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...les_74328.html

[Marb67]

So where do all the bumble bees come in the spring from if they all die leaving only the queen ?

[veggiechicken]

She's pregnant, she lays eggs..............its all here Lifecycle | Bumblebee Conservation Trust

[Two_Sheds]

So where do all the bumble bees come in the spring ?

From under the gooseberry bush, of course