Bumble Bee Colony Maintains Nest Site despite High Disturbance Level

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).

Automated summary

During the spring of 2021, a Bombus terricola Kirby queen established a nest in the hollow iron front axle of a 1950 John Deere 40U tractor in Bowdoinham, Maine. The tractor remained stationary from April 15 to June 10. On June 10, seven workers were observed flying out from the axle when the tractor was started. From June 15 to August 15, the tractor was used 1-3 times per week for 15-90 minutes each time, always returning to the same location. The presence of bees emerging from the tractor throughout the summer suggests that the colony survived long enough to produce next year's queens (gynes).