5 Reasons Bumblebees are Like Superheroes
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1. Bumblebees are saving the world… from starvation!
No – I’m not talking about honey! It is estimated that at least 30% of all the foods humans consume in North America are from bee pollinated plants.
Take a look at the chart below to see some of the impact bees have on our food crops to see their super powers in action!
| Crop | Value in billions(2006) | % Bee Pollinated |
| Almonds | 2.2 | 100 |
| Apples | 2.1 | 90 |
| Cotton | 5.2 | 16 |
| Blueberries | 0.5 | 90 |
| Grapes | 3.2 | 1 |
| Oranges | 1.8 | 27 |
| Peanuts | 0.6 | 2 |
| Peaches | 0.5 | 48 |
| Soybeans | 19.7 | 5 |
| Strawberries | 1.5 | 2 |
| from:USDA; RA Morse & NW Calderone(Cornell University) | ||
2. Bumblebees defy the laws of science!
In 1934, French entomologist Antoine Magnan concluded that the flight of the Bumblebee was impossible. Seriously – his calculations never revealed the secret of bee flight and he died still confused with the tiny insect’s superpowers.
Sure – modern scientists have some various ‘theories’ about why bees should be able to fly, but they have yet to definitively prove their understanding of bee’s aeronautical capabilities.
However, much like other superheros bees continue to fly along on their daily missions despite our inability to explain how they do it.
We’ve even written songs to honor the Bumblebee’s flying prowess.
Yeah, I think that’s pretty super.
3. Bumblebees have a secret weakness!
Much like Superman and kryptonite, Wonder Woman and her bracelets being tied together (by a man! Seriously. Sexist much?) or Green Lantern’s ring being weakened by the color yellow (I know lame – right?), Bumblebees have a secret weakness.
And despite their main goal being to help us, like all good superhero stories – Bumble Bees have haters!
They try to keep their weakness a secret so humans don’t use it against them, but someone has figured it out.
As a result, Bumble Bees are mysteriously dying at record rates and scientists are not really sure why. Again – there are theories, but the truth is shrouded in mystery.
We can only wonder about the fate of the planet if the villains succeed in their plot to destroy Bumblebees.
4. Bumblebees just look like superheros!
With their bold yellow and black fuzzy bodies and protruding antenna, Bumble Bees just look like aliens ready to save the world!
Frankly, they also look a little scary. I mean you might not think so, but have you really looked closely at a Bumblebee lately?
5. Bumblebees are weaponized!
Yes, we don’t like to talk about it much, but bees do have the ability to defend their collective wellbeing.
This takes the form of a HUGE stinger and unlike their honey bee friends – they can sting you again and again.
So next time you sit down to a meal or even look outside and behold the beautiful flowers outside, think about the Bumblebees that made that possible.
And remember, even superheros can’t do it alone. So, consider doing your part to help Bumblebees worldwide.
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