Bumblebees' Surprising Defense Tactics Against Invasive Asian Hornets

Researchers from the University of Exeter have discovered that buff-tailed bumblebees have a unique defensive strategy against Asian hornets. When attacked, the bumblebees drop to the ground, effectively repelling the hornets. However, bumblebee colonies in hornet-dense areas still experience reduced growth rates, indicating negative impacts. Asian hornets, which have invaded parts of Europe and Asia and recently appeared in the US, pose a threat to pollinators. The study highlights the importance of understanding the interactions between invasive species and native pollinators for effective conservation efforts.