Scientists in Canada have discovered that bumblebee queens can stay underwater for up to a week.
The finding came from researchers at the University of Ottawa, who were studying the bees during winter. At that time of year, the queens enter diapause, which is a hibernation-like state. During diapause, they rest underground until spring, when they wake up and start new colonies.
The scientists recreated winter conditions in a laboratory to watch how the bees behaved. They found that the queens could survive underwater because a very thin layer of air stayed around their bodies. This air helped the bees keep breathing even while they were under the water. The bees also slowed their bodies down so much that they needed very little energy.
Experts say this discovery shows how strong and adaptable bumblebees can be. It may help them survive wetter winters and springs, when flooding happens more often. Researchers think this could become more important as climate change brings more unusual weather.
