A key foraging behavior that distinguishes Bumblebees from other bees is buzz pollination. Buzz pollination is where a bee grasps a flower firmly by its anthers and uses its flight muscles to shake the flower vigorously, making the anthers vibrate and release a large amount of pollen. Plant species relative to human farming such as the potato, eggplant and tomato all benefit greatly from buzz pollination. (E Evans et al. 2007). Most bees in general have a proboscis (tongue), which they use to obtain nectar (PJ Gullen & PS Cranston 2011).
Bumblebee buzz pollinating. Make sure sound is turned on.
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