Story perspectives

Bumblebee Queens Survive Underwater for Eight Days, Study Finds

4/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers from the University of Guelph report bumblebee queens can survive underwater for up to eight days.
Bumblebee queens enter diapause during winter and stay buried underground for six to nine months.
The discovery arose from a lab accident at the University of Guelph, where queens moved after submersion.
The study shows queens consume oxygen and release carbon dioxide underwater, using anaerobic metabolism for energy, supporting colony survival.

1 of 1

Story summary

Researchers from the University of Guelph report bumblebee queens can survive underwater for up to eight days.
Bumblebee queens enter diapause during winter and stay buried underground for six to nine months.
The discovery arose from a lab accident at the University of Guelph, where queens moved after submersion.
The study shows queens consume oxygen and release carbon dioxide underwater, using anaerobic metabolism for energy, supporting colony survival.