Bumblebee Queens Survive Over a Week Underwater

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Recent research from the University of Ottawa has discovered that bumblebee queens can survive submerged in water for over a week. This is due to a combination of drastically reduced metabolic rate and the activation of anaerobic metabolism, allowing them to generate energy without oxygen. This discovery is particularly relevant as climate change increases the frequency of spring floods, which could threaten bumblebee populations.

Why it matters

This newfound understanding of bumblebee resilience is crucial for conservation efforts, as each surviving queen has the potential to found a new colony. Protecting the underground habitats where queens overwinter could be key to supporting bumblebee populations in the face of a changing climate.

The details

The University of Ottawa study found that during diapause, a hibernation-like state, bumblebee queens experience a dramatic reduction in metabolic rate, making survival with minimal oxygen possible. The researchers also discovered the activation of anaerobic metabolism, which allows the bees to generate energy even without oxygen, providing a backup system for survival.

• The research was published in The Royal Society Publishing in 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The research highlights the importance of continued study into the physiological mechanisms that allow bees to cope with environmental stress, as this could lead to new strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change on pollinators.