Bumble Bee Colony Maintains Nest Site despite High Disturbance Level

Abstract

During the 2021 spring a Bombus terricola Kirby queen initiated a nest in the hollow iron front axle of a 1950 John Deere 40U tractor that was being repaired outside in Bowdoinham, Maine. The tractor was not moved during the lengthy repair period, from 15 April–10 June. Seven workers were observed flying out from the tractor axle upon starting it up on 10 June. The tractor was used 1–3 times a week between 15 June and 15 August, usually for 15–90 min at a time. The tractor was always returned to the same location after use. Based upon observed adults issuing from the tractor upon startup throughout the summer, the colony appeared to have survived long enough to produce gynes (next year’s queens).