Bumblebees PLUS

Let's take a look at another species of bumblebee, the season is starting and this species is already looking for a nesting site at this time.

The common bumblebee (Bombus pascuorum) is an inconspicuous, unpretentious and relatively abundant species. It is peaceful and very popular with breeders. That is why it also has many cute nicknames - bell, teddy bear, darling, sweetie...

They often build their nests in the grass. All they need is a small hole and a pile of old leaves. They like to build their nests in compost and if you accidentally dig up their nest, they will immediately try to cover it. Their nest can withstand adverse weather conditions - sun and rain, even if it is covered with material that will certainly get wet.

Since this bumblebee is undemanding to food sources, it can often survive in the wild until the first frost. If you feed it, it can survive even then in a hive somewhere indoors.

This species is ideal for beginner breeders – it is not aggressive, the nest is not large and therefore the breeder does not have to worry about it, it can last from spring to autumn. Since it is adaptable, it almost always finds food in the garden, although due to its long tongue it prefers flowers with a long calyx.

As I wrote above, this bumblebee is inconspicuous, so there are no distinctive stripes that would give it away - the color ranges from reddish-brown to blackish-gray, and it also has dark forms. What does give it away, however, is its relatively deep tone considering its size, and it is also relatively slow (compare the flight speed of the meadow bumblebee vs. the field bumblebee)

And I would also like to mention that novice beekeepers mostly have experience with common species with so-called pollen storers. Which is a bit of a shame, because pocket makers are much more interesting, and that is the field bumblebee. The field bumblebee does not store pollen, but creates pockets for its larvae and places pollen threads mixed with nectar in those pockets, so the larvae feed themselves 😊 (therefore, the activity of opening each wax case of the larva, taking pollen from the storage 😊, feeding the larva and waxing it again is eliminated).

You can read more about them here: https://www.cmelaciplus.cz/cmelaciplus-katalog-druhu-cmelaku-cmelak-rolni-bombus-pascuorum/

In the example, the mother has just settled in, preening herself for the orientation flight 😊
I'm also attaching a rescued nest of fieldfares from compost - I call it a "nest like in the palm of your hand"
And the last video shot of the bee nest – notice how much wort they have.

So what do you say, wouldn't you rather wait to settle down on a farm?

A beautiful buzzing day.
Mo.

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🐝 Come experience Insect Day at Didaktikon!

Do you want to meet insects and people who really do something for them?
Bumblebees PLUS were also invited – so come buzz with us!

📅 When: April 22nd from 3:00 PM
📍 Where: Didaktikon, Hybernská Campus

A varied program awaits you, which will guide you through the fascinating kingdom of insects.

At five stations, you'll meet various insect friends, find out how they mature, and even build your own solitary bee hotel to take home.

👨‍🎓👩‍🎓You will be guided throughout the afternoon by experts from:
* Faculty of Science, Charles University
* National Center for Agricultural and Food Research
* Bumblebees PLUS

We look forward to seeing you - come enjoy a day full of discovery and inspiration!

More about the event:
🔗 https://didaktikon.cz/DIDAKT-39.html?news=29151&locale=cz
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CA3ucAWKK/
🔗 https://didaktikon.cz/

Beautiful day

Bumblebees PLUS

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🔥 Fire in the landscape: a danger or a tool for nature conservation?

🤦 For a long time, we as the Association have been skeptical about the use of fire in landscape care - and we continue to remain cautious.

🤷 However, new scientific data and practical experience show that controlled burning of grasslands can in certain cases significantly help preserve the biodiversity of dry grasslands, including insect species tied to open habitats.

I personally remember how burning was quite common and uncontrolled. Also a number of troubles associated with it. So as an old school person, I still have a problem with it. The data and facts speak clearly - in favor of selective and controlled burning of the landscape.

Studies by scientists from Mendel University, as well as experience from the management of the Podyjí National Park, confirm that a well-timed and professionally led intervention can:

🌱 restore the habitat mosaic
🐝 support rainbow diversity and pollinators
🌾 reduce overgrowth and accumulation of old growth

⚠️ Attention - fire definitely does not belong in the hands of laymen - no one is allowed to start burning without permission.

📜 Legal framework (CZ):

* Act No. 133/1985 Coll., on fire protection, Section 17, paragraph 1, letter f) prohibits burning of vegetation
* Decree No. 246/2001 Coll. (on fire prevention)
*It is also possible to cite Act No. 114/1992 Coll., on Nature and Landscape Protection

🙋 Therefore, it is necessary to first agree with local ecologists, determine where and when intervention is appropriate, and obtain approval from the relevant authorities and firefighters.

📚 Recommended reading:

* Fire and biodiversity of dry grasslands (MENDELU study)
Myths and facts about controlled burning in the Podyjí National Park see links

⁉️ You will get answers to typical questions/topics there:
1) Fire does not belong in nature conservation, it is a barbaric technique.
2) Burning kills a lot of living creatures.
3) How is it possible to burn when burning plant residues is prohibited?
4) Why can't an ordinary citizen burn on his land?
5) What is the goal of controlled burning?

📒 ️Summary

✅️ The data clearly shows the importance, benefits, and risks of grassland management.
✅️ Caution, expertise and cooperation are the absolute foundation of such activity.
✅️ Selective approach is possible, widespread application is not!

Photo: Ekolist.cz

🌐 Links
* https://www.facebook.com/share/14TxTMs6PK9/

* https://ekolist.cz/cz/publicistika/priroda/ohen-muze-pomoci-zachovat-biodiversit-suchych-travniku-ukazala-studie-vedcu-z-mendelovy-univerzity

* https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17fSQFdqWK/

* https://ekolist.cz/cz/publicistika/priroda/myty-a-fakta-o-rizenem-vypalovani-v-narodnim-parku-podyji