Bumblebees are some of our most familiar insects, and are among the few
that are almost universally viewed as 'friendly' - their low buzzing is
the quintessential sound of our gardens in the summertime.
Spotlight Bumblebees considers all 24 UK bumblebee species, examining
what made the group so successful and how circumstances have led to the
survival of some species but the precipitous decline of the majority,
highlighting the dangers we all face if populations continue to plummet.
Separate chapters cover all aspects of bumblebees' biology and
lifestyles, from spring queens emerging from dark overwintering chambers
to establish their nests, to the drone swarms that herald the end of the
bumblebee season. Bumblebees around the world are studied, including in
the southern hemisphere where Europe's declining species can become
harmful invaders. While the influence of bumblebees throughout our
history and their place in our culture, from Shakespeare to
Transformers, is also examined.