Einige Hummeln können unter Wasser bis zu einer Woche überleben, wie eine neue Studie zeigt

An experimental error led a team of scientists researching bumblebees to discover the insects’ remarkable ability to [survive underwater for up to a week](https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/17/americas/bumblebee-queen-underwater-scli-intl-scn/index.html).

>A study published in the journal [*Biology Letters*](https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2023.0609) on Wednesday described how scientists from Canada’s University of Guelph accidentally submerged hibernating queen common eastern bumblebees in water, and were astonished to find that they had survived.

>Study author Nigel Raine, a professor in the school of environmental sciences at the university, told CNN that it was “really surprising.”

>“These are terrestrial organisms, they’re not really designed to be underwater,” he said.

>The team then carried out an experiment involving 143 common eastern bumblebee queens and found that those kept under water for periods of up to seven days had similar survival rates to those not kept under water, according to a statement from the university.

>“We found very little impact of any of the submersion regimes,” Raine told CNN.

>This is the first time that scientists have tested how bumblebee queens fare when submerged for long periods, and the findings shed new light on the insects’ adaptations and their resilience to flooding.

“Are you trying to drown bumblebees?” “No, I’m doing a study.”