Bumblebees are members of the honey bee (Apidae) family. Although Latvians think they are familiar with bees, many are surprised to learn that there are approximately 300 different bee species from six different families in Latvia. It also causes interest and astonishment that the majority of bees do not live the lifestyle typical of the honey bee at all, but are instead solitary bees that dig burrows in the ground. As pollinators, bees are a very important group of insects. Many wild plants and approximately three-quarters of the plants we use for food are dependent on pollinators. The large carder bee has become the insect of the year both because it is a protected species in Latvia and Europe, and because it symbolises the endangered status of all pollinators, which is being affected by the intensification of land use and the reduction of habitats and foraging areas suitable for insects.

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