Bumble bees have compound eyes capable of detecting a wide range of colors, including ultraviolet (UV), blue, green, and yellow. However, their visual system is not as complex as that of humans, and they rely heavily on bright colors, UV reflectance, and floral patterns. Bees are highly attracted to shades of purple, blue, and yellow, and flat, single blossom plants are easiest for them to access.
In other words, bumble bees are more attracted to certain colors because of their contrast with the surrounding environment, rather than their absolute brightness or saturation. In addition to color, bumble bees also use other visual cues, such as shape and texture, to locate food sources. Discover the surprising colors that attract and repel bees, including yellow, blue, red, and black.
Learn how to create a bee. Discover the colors that attract bees, including bright and vibrant hues, UV reflectance, and floral patterns. Learn strategies for creating a bee.
Colors That Attract Bees Bees are drawn to specific colors signaling nectar and pollen. Bees are most attracted to colors in the blue and ultraviolet range, including blues, purples, and violets, which appear vibrant to them. White flowers are also attractive, often reflecting significant UV light.
Colors Bees Ignore or See Differently A notable difference in bee vision is their inability to see the color red. For a bee, red appears as black or a very dark gray because they lack the specific photoreceptor for red light. This explains why naturally red flowers are typically pollinated by other creatures, such as birds, rather than bees.
By understanding the bloom color preferences of different pollinators, such as bees, flies, butterflies, and hummingbirds, gardeners can choose flowers to draw them into the garden. The majority of bees are highly attracted to blue and yellow, as they associate both colors with their own. Scientists believe that purple, violet, and blue are the most likely colors to attract bees.
Flower colors that contrast with their background are more important to foraging bees than patterns of colored veins on pale flowers, according to new research. Researchers have found that bumblebees can't see the color red. Instead, they see blue-green, blue, violet, yellow, orange, and "bee's purple," a combination of yellow and ultraviolet light.
Bees are especially drawn to blue, purple, and yellow flowers. These colors stand out to bees and are considered highly attractive. Bees are most strongly attracted to specific colors that signal the presence of nectar and pollen.
Blues, purples, and violets are particularly appealing to bees because these colors fall within the wavelengths to which their photoreceptors are highly sensitive.