Rearing Bumble Bee Colonies in Captivity

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Abstract
Three methods were used to induce the following Bombus species to start colonies in captivity: B. nevadensis, B. rufocinctus, B. borealis, B. fervidus, B. terricola, B. perplexus, B. ternarius, B. vagans. The first method, in which waxed-paper containers were used, was tried only on queens which had not hibernated; although it was unsuitable for rearing colonies, queens of B. rufocinctus, B. terricola, B. perplexus and B. ternarius laid eggs. The other two methods were used only on queens captured in the spring. Successful results were obtained for B. terricola and B. perplexus, and moderately successful results for B. rufocinctus, using upholsterer's cotton as nest material at room temperature. A method using no nest material, but maintaining the temperature at 29°C., was successful for B. terricola and B. ternarius. No queens of B. fervidus laid eggs in any test but, of the small numbers of B. nevadensis, B. borealis and B. vagans queens tested, most reared colonies. Practical details of rearing the colonies are discussed; the presentation of fresh pollen seems particularly important.