When this strip was written (remember, it’s a re-run) one of the theories about colony collapse disorder (in honeybees, not bumblebees, by the way) was radiation from cell phone towers. It’s been largely discounted since then. CCD may not have a single cause; it may be the result of many stressors related to the way honeybees–particularly heavily stressed commercial hives that are trucked all over the country during pollination season–combining to overwhelm the bees’ natural defenses. It could be that CCD is a natural response to the very unnatural system of pollination used in industrial agriculture, and in the end it may turn out that we have to adapt our agricultural practices to be more compatible with nature.
Contrary to some reports, even if honeybees disappear (which is not terribly likely), pollination will continue. Remember that the honeybee is not native to North America; it was imported from Europe. Here in Illinois, as honeybee populations decline, we’re finding their niche is being filled by native pollinators, particularly the big ol’ bumblebee. So there will still be flowers, fruits and veggies even if the honeybees go away.
given puddleglum’s remark that bumblebees (among others) will replace honeybees if the vanish–it’s interesting that the bees here look more like bumblebees…
Aaronious about 13 years ago
I don’t find perpetuating false rumors humorous. This is usually an entertaining comic.
puddleglum1066 about 13 years ago
When this strip was written (remember, it’s a re-run) one of the theories about colony collapse disorder (in honeybees, not bumblebees, by the way) was radiation from cell phone towers. It’s been largely discounted since then. CCD may not have a single cause; it may be the result of many stressors related to the way honeybees–particularly heavily stressed commercial hives that are trucked all over the country during pollination season–combining to overwhelm the bees’ natural defenses. It could be that CCD is a natural response to the very unnatural system of pollination used in industrial agriculture, and in the end it may turn out that we have to adapt our agricultural practices to be more compatible with nature.
Contrary to some reports, even if honeybees disappear (which is not terribly likely), pollination will continue. Remember that the honeybee is not native to North America; it was imported from Europe. Here in Illinois, as honeybee populations decline, we’re finding their niche is being filled by native pollinators, particularly the big ol’ bumblebee. So there will still be flowers, fruits and veggies even if the honeybees go away.
mntim about 13 years ago
… which I knew, but I’m willing to let the strip run it’s course.
Justin Thompson creator about 13 years ago
OOPS! Did I accidentally place a myth in the strip?
Coyoty Premium Member about 13 years ago
Everyone makes mythtakes.
ChukLitl Premium Member about 13 years ago
They’re making a comeback in some areas, as have the local bats.
bmonk about 13 years ago
given puddleglum’s remark that bumblebees (among others) will replace honeybees if the vanish–it’s interesting that the bees here look more like bumblebees…
Pifflepuss about 13 years ago
Let’s see… A Myth in a Mythical comic strip about Mythical happenings…. how strange..
hehehe - Not to worry guys - enjoy the humor and remember it’s all in good fun until a dragon sneezes your eye out.
smparadox about 13 years ago
@Night-Gaunt49: By eating meat, same as feral bees still do to this day. (And by feral bees, I mean bees not tamed by flowering plants.)