Production of bumblebees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) for pollination and research

Few bumblebee (Bombus) species have been developed for commercial production or mass rearing but domesticating a variety of species could provide commercial pollinators or conservation techniques for threatened wild populations. While it is apparent that some variety in rearing protocols tailored to species specificity is required, a core methodological foundation is critical across multiple species and rearing programs. The methods presented herein aim to highlight protocols that foster safe and efficient rearing conditions, minimize husbandry requirements, and mitigate pathogen transfer across North America. Promoting broodiness and colony initiation in wild-caught foundress queens, and successfully overwintering gynes for a duration that mimics the natural bumblebee lifecycle remain major challenges to rearing bumblebees, ex situ. Advancements in bumblebee rearing techniques are ongoing, but standardization and transparency of protocols across the rearing community remain of primary importance.