Unseasonably mild winter weather has pushed bumblebees to begin building nests earlier than expected, a shift linked to climate change, say conservationists. Active worker bumblebees were spotted in Aberdeen during the Christmas break, raising concerns about the survival of their nests.
Conservation group Buglife reported that several bumblebees and honeybees were found between Christmas and New Year across the UK, from Jersey to the Highlands. This unusual activity comes as a result of the warmer-than-usual weather, which allowed some bumblebees to start nest-building when they would typically be hibernating.
The Risk of Winter Nest-Building
Bumblebees are vital pollinators, yet they normally hibernate through winter until spring. However, climate change is disrupting these natural cycles, leading to early nest-building. According to Buglife, two of the UK’s 25 species of bumblebees are thought to have started nesting prematurely, with some even emerging from hibernation during the festive period.
“It’s a clear sign that the bees are adapting to the warmer conditions,” says Paul Hetherington from Buglife. “But it’s a risky move. There’s not enough food around, and the weather could turn cold again at any moment.”
The warm Christmas period was followed by a sharp drop in temperatures, including snow, which could jeopardize the bumblebee nests. Without enough flowers to gather nectar and pollen, and with the threat of freezing temperatures, these early nests may not survive the harsh conditions.
- In a typical year, bumblebees begin to emerge around spring.
- Early nest-building poses a risk to the bees’ survival as the queen needs to emerge before new workers are born.
Threats to Bumblebees’ Survival
The nests’ survival depends largely on the weather. If the temperature dips again, the bees could be at risk of freezing, with the nests collapsing before the queens can reproduce. This could lead to a significant decline in the bumblebee population come spring.
Bumblebees play a crucial role in pollinating plants, supporting food production across the globe. The continued decline of their numbers, as a result of such unpredictable weather patterns, is a growing concern for environmentalists and farmers alike.
The changes observed this winter are not isolated. In fact, previous surveys by Buglife in 2019 found bumblebees and honeybees active during the Christmas-New Year period. The fact that they were active back then, and now again, shows how shifts in seasonal weather are having a direct impact on these insects’ life cycles.
Early Activity Linked to Climate Change
While this year’s early activity seems to be a result of the mild December weather, climate change has already contributed to a widespread loss of bumblebee populations across the world. Warmer temperatures are allowing insects like bumblebees and ticks to remain active for longer periods, causing a range of ecological issues.
Mr. Hetherington highlights that the impact of climate change isn’t just limited to bees. “We’re also seeing more ticks becoming active over winter. These pests, typically a threat in the warmer months, are now appearing during the festive period.”
In fact, areas such as Inverness have witnessed ticks in December, a time when they are usually dormant. The increasing periods of warmth make ticks more likely to be found throughout the year, increasing the risks of diseases like Lyme disease, which can be transmitted through tick bites.
The Larger Impact of Climate Change on Ecosystems
Climate change’s effects on the behavior of insects are becoming clearer, and the consequences for the ecosystem are worrying. The extended period of tick activity means more opportunities for tick-borne diseases to spread. Meanwhile, the impact on bumblebees’ hibernation and nesting patterns suggests that other pollinators could be facing similar challenges.
Experts suggest that, if current trends continue, we could see a significant shift in the balance of pollinators, which would have wide-ranging implications for agriculture and biodiversity. The resulting effects could reverberate through ecosystems, altering the way plants reproduce and the overall health of the environment.
Bumblebee Nest Success in the UK (2024)
| Bumblebee Species | Nest Success Rate | Risk Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Common Carder Bee | 30% | Cold weather, lack of flowers |
| Red Tailed Bumblebee | 40% | Early nest building, freezing temps |
These findings are a warning sign of what could come, highlighting the need for both action on climate change and conservation efforts to protect essential species like bumblebees.
