Why cant bumble bees fly?

Answer 1

They do fly.

Where are you getting your misinformation?

Answer 2

They CAN fly!

A long-held myth of the bumblebee was that, in terms of theoretical aerodynamics, it did not have the capacity (in terms of wing size or beat per second) to achieve flight with the degree of wing loading necessary. This myth became popular after an aerodynamicist in the 1930s stated that a bumblebee was not capable of flight. The statement was based upon a simplified (linear) treatment of oscillating aerofoils. The method assumed small amplitude oscillations without flow separation. This ignores the effect of dynamic stall, an airflow separation inducing a large vortex above the wing, which briefly produces several times the lift of the airfoil in regular flight. Modern aerodynamics understand that the bumblebee can fly precisely because its wing encounters dynamic stall in every oscillation cycle - in other words, the myth that bumblebees should not be able to fly is the result of an oversimplified (linear) method applied in the 1930s.

Answer 3

I will not ask where are you getting your misinformation. It is obvious you are well read. The fact is, after the male bumble bee mates, he will lose his ability to fly. Also, the bumblebee poison arrow frog can't fly either. Thank you for an open question that requires using much thinking.

Answer 4

Are you referring to the long standing idea that bumble bees are aerodynamically inconsistant with flight? It's kind of a misnomer. They are aerodynamically fine-- they were just misunderstood until relatively recently. Sorry-- I don't remember the specifics.

Answer 5

Bumble bees fly.....come to the South and get your fill.

Answer 6

what is bumble bees?

Answer 7

they can
well the 1 that stung me yesterday could anyway

Answer 8

They can't? I guess they're walking on air then, and their wings are moving for show.

Answer 9

i always thought they did
i guess they're levetating
oh well

Answer 10

They are too fat