Bumblebee species can survive underwater for up to 7 days

Queens of the common eastern bumblebee, a species widespread in eastern North America, can withstand submersion for up to a week when hibernating, the Guardian cited a new study yesterday.

With bumblebee queens known to burrow into soil to hibernate, the researchers say the phenomenon could help them survive flooding in the wild, the article said.

The researchers say the findings are unusual given most insects overwintering as adults – including many ground beetles – cannot cope with being submerged in water and must leave floodplains to survive.