Bumblebees are disappearing around the world. But so far, scientists can only speculate about what’s causing their demise, probing the effects of habitat loss, pesticides and disease. Now, new research makes the case for another possible killer: rising global temperatures.

There's a newly-determined "major factor" in declining bumblebee populations – and it's attacking their nests.

More frequent heatwaves mean bees are unable to thermoregulate their hives – further endangering a species already in decline

A new study reveals rising temperatures are harming bumblebee populations by disrupting the ideal nest environment.

New research from the University of Guelph said on Friday that temperatures are becoming too hot for bumblebees, threatening their role as plant pollinators and the food supply for humans and other animals.

The global bumblebee population has declined since the 1950s, sparking speculation on the causes – researchers have suggested everything from pesticides to habitat loss. Because bumblebees are vulnerable to temperature swings, some have proposed another culprit: climate change.

A major contributor to bumblebee decline could be rising temperatures in the nests that house social colonies, caused by climate change.

The perils that rising temperatures pose to bumblebee nest viability and larvae development should urgently be taken into account