Why Do Bees Buzz?
Bumble bee buzzing toward raspberry flowers.The gentle sound of bees buzzing among the flowers in the garden has to be one of my favourite
sounds of summer. But why do bees buzz, and how do they make that
buzzing sound?
Of course, we can't get into the minds of bees! But by observing their behaviours, we can make a few guesses.
I
looked into this subject using some of my favourite books about bees,
as it's a question I have been asked whilst giving my talks.
I
found that theories and ideas had changed over time - no surprise there:
history shows we form ideas about a thing, only to learn more and
change our minds later!
So let's look at this question:
Why Do Bees Buzz And How Do Bees Make The Buzzing Sound?
Bumble bee approaching blueberry flower.The sound of bees buzzing is caused by the rapid movement of their wings. The rapid contraction of their wing flight muscles is what causes the high pitched whining (buzzing) sound.
However, explanations have varied through time and with research. Back
in 1912, a researcher called Sladen thought that the noise was caused
by air passing over the edge of a membrane in tiny holes in the segments
of the abdomen (body). These holes are called 'spiracles'.
Considering the same question, author of 'Bumblebees', and 'Solitary Bees', Ted Benton notes:
- "Whatever
the truth of this, it seems that the buzzing sound made by bumblebees
is at least greatly amplified by the vibration of the wing membranes".
As we observe bees, this seems obvious to us now - and certainly the buzzing sound varies with the activities and movement of the wings. However, I recall as a child that I assumed bees made the buzzing sound via the mouth as that is where most noise created by humans comes from!
Bumble bee in flight toward purple loosestrife.When Do Bees Buzz?
Hairy footed flower bees create a high pitched buzzing sound in flight.Firstly, buzzing is of course, commonly heard when bees are simply
flying, during which time, the wings are vibrating very fast.
In the same way that bees have different flight movements (for example, the hairy footed flower bee has a darting flight and a high pitched buzz.
Comparing Different Bee Buzzing Sounds
The next time you are in your garden watching bees, take time to observe how different species engaged in various activities, emit a unique buzzing sound.
Here are a few to look out for:
Bees buzzing as they fly about defending and patrolling a flower patch
Wool carder bees buzz from flower to flower, and the males buzz as they dart around patrolling patches of flowers - typically Lamb's ear, which is a favourite for foraging and gathering nesting materials. As they buzz about patrolling the flower patch, they are waiting for the opportunity to pounce on and mate with females.
Wool carder bee in flight. They not only buzz from flower to flower, males buzz as they patrol patches of flowers.
Buzzing: self defence and threat, being trapped
Most people are aware that bees seem to buzz more aggressively if their nests are disturbed, or if they are disrupted during foraging.
A classic example is if you happen to see a bee trapped in a spider web, buzzing as it frees itself to get out.
Similarly, I have noted that bumble bees trapped in a bottle were buzzing - seemingly very angrily trying to get out a buzz quite different from the relaxed buzzing from flower to flower that I often witness in my garden.
They
will also buzz if under attack or whilst defending themselves
from threat or predators, or during conflict with other members of the colony,
such as the queen.
Buzzing whilst foraging and pollinating
Bumble bees buzz pollinate by placing the upper part of their body (thorax), close to the anthers, then vibrating their flight muscles very fast.
If you have seen my page about
bumble bee pollination
you will have read that bumblebees engage in buzz pollination.
The anthers of some flowers (i.e. the parts carrying the pollen) only release their pollen if they are shaken. Bumble bees achieve this by placing the upper part of their body (thorax), close to the anthers, then vibrating their flight muscles very fast.
Look out for bumble bees buzz pollinating wild roses.At the same time, they make a lovely buzzing
sound. Buzz pollination is especially beneficial for tomatoes and other
fruits, resulting in a more abundant crop, but it can be witnessed when bumble bees forage on a variety of flowers such as oriental poppies and roses.
Buzzing and communication in honey bee colonies
Honey bee buzzing toward purple loosestrife.One particular type of high-pitched buzzing sound made by honey bees is called 'piping'.
Piping occurs directly prior to swarming, but can also occur during the disturbance of a hive.
There are differing views about which bees in the honey bee colony initiate the piping prior to swarming.
Swarm of honey bees.Some sources state that the queen starts first (Werner, 1964). Others
state that the piping begins with a small group of experienced forager
bees called 'nest-site scouts', who produce a "piping-signal" that
primes the workers for swarming (Rangel, 2008).
Honey bee - Apis mellifera on green alkanet.It is also now
believed that when honey bees 'waggle dance' to communicate the
locations of food (flowers upon which to forage) to other members of the
colony, it is not only the movements of the honey bee, but also the
buzzing sounds made, that help to convey the whereabouts of the forage sources
(Goodman 2003).
Got more questions about bees? Go from 'Why Do Bees Buzz?' to:
Bee Facts
Quick snippets of information about bees, with links to further detail, as well as honey bee facts.
More questions:
Why Do Bees Bump Against Windows?
Why Do Bumble bees Dig In The Ground?
What Should I Do If I've Found A Bee?
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