On autumn asters, bumblebees find warmth at season’s end
As an older adult, I've come to see autumn as a poignant reminder of the inevitable passage of time and the fragility of life. The vibrant colors of the season belie the fact that all living things are destined to fade. This realization is particularly poignant when I think about the people I love and the precious time we have together. Amidst this bittersweet reflection, I find solace in the beauty of New England asters, those tall, purple-blossomed perennials that grace much of the United States and Canada. Their presence in early autumn, long after other flowers have withered, offers a comforting presence.
But the allure of asters goes beyond their aesthetic appeal. They serve as a final haven for bumblebees, providing a last source of pollen and nectar as their colonies wind down in mid-autumn. The male bees, born in late summer, embark on their final journey to find mates before their own demise. For these bees, the asters are a lifeline, a final feast before their final days. As I stroll along my driveway in the late autumn evenings, I witness a heartwarming scene: bumblebees resting atop the asters, sometimes two to a blossom, their petals enveloping them as the sun sets. At night, they find solace in the aster's embrace, and some even meet their end on this warm bed of pollen, their senses and dreams permeated by its essence.
This image of bees finding comfort and warmth in the asters raises intriguing questions about the nature of bee consciousness. Research into bee cognition suggests that they possess a level of subjective consciousness, with brains that share striking similarities to ours. Bees can learn and remember, direct their attention selectively, and experience emotions. Studies have shown that bees exhibit cognitive biases, much like humans, viewing ambiguous situations through an optimistic or pessimistic lens. This emotional capacity is further evidenced by their behavior in response to different scents and tastes, indicating a more complex emotional state than previously thought.
The idea that bees might experience pleasure and comfort from their aster meals is not far-fetched. The blossoms provide a familiar and warm environment, offering a sense of security and contentment. The extra heat absorbed by the asters, raising their temperature above the surrounding air, could be particularly welcoming to the bees, whose bodies may already be warm from their flight muscles. As the bees rest on the aster petals, they may be experiencing a sense of calm and satisfaction, akin to the feeling of contentment after a good meal.
The question of whether bees dream adds another layer of intrigue. While less is known about the active sleep state in bees, studies suggest that their REM sleep is similar to that of mammals. During this state, bees may be running simulations of their experiences, preparing themselves for the unpredictable world upon waking. The idea of bees dreaming about their life moments, the flowers they've visited, and the paths they've taken, is a captivating prospect. Perhaps, as the neurobiologist Hanna Zwaka suggests, bees dream about anything they've learned, from colors and odors to places.
The author reflects on the beauty of this scenario, imagining the bees dreaming of their warm home, their full stomachs, and the senses permeated by the flowers that are central to their existence. The aster's embrace, the pollen's taste, and the sun's warmth all contribute to a dream-like state that could be described as beautiful. As the autumn days grow shorter, the author finds solace in the presence of the asters, knowing that the bees' efforts have helped the world bloom, even if their days are numbered.
The author concludes that tending to asters is a gesture of hope and benevolence, a small act that offers a peaceful departure to the bumblebees. The cycle of life, with its inevitable end, is a cruel fact, but the asters provide a graceful exit. As the season changes and the days lengthen, the author prepares for the planting season, carrying the memory and anticipation of the asters and their bees, a testament to the beauty and fragility of life.
