Bumble bees are large, fuzzy insects belonging to the genus Bombus. They are known for their distinctive black and yellow stripes and play a crucial role in pollination. Bumble bees are social insects, living in colonies that can range from 50 to several hundred individuals. They are particularly effective at pollinating plants due to their ability to perform buzz pollination, a technique that helps release pollen from certain flowers. These bees are typically found in temperate regions and are active during the warmer months. Unlike honey bees, bumble bee colonies are annual, meaning they die off in the fall, and only fertilized queens survive the winter. Their decline due to habitat loss and pesticide use has raised concerns about their conservation.