Bumblebees demonstrate resistance to commonly used pesticides, according to a new study by researchers from Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) and the University of Bayreuth, published in Environment International. The scientists divided a bumblebee colony and exposed the insects to individual insecticides, fungicides, and combinations of these pesticides, then examined the bumblebees' learning ability and flight activity. The study found no negative effects on the bumblebees' behavior, suggesting their resilience to chemical stressors. However, the researchers note that the bumblebee's social lifestyle within the colony may help buffer toxic effects and ensure the survival of weaker individuals. Additionally, the bumblebee's larger body size compared to many solitary wild bees may contribute to its resilience. The scientists emphasize the need for further experiments to understand the impact of pesticide mixtures on various wild bee species, as the decline in wild bees is a significant concern in the context of global insect decline.