How do Bumble Bees collect pollen and what do they use it for?

Honey bees need nectar and pollen for much the same reason as bumblebees and solitary bees, although they treat it slightly differently. The nectar that is gathered by honey bees is taken back to the nest or bee hive. read more

All bees eat pollen for the nutrients not supplied by nectar. Nectar supplies calories in the form of sugar. The energy that bee imago use for flying around and for making wax comes from the sugar in nectar. read more

Note that bumblebee workers and queens collect pollen and transfer it to the nests, however, males and cuckoo bumblebee species do not collect pollen, and have no pollen baskets. Honey bee workers collect pollen, but queens only leave the colony to mate or establish a new colony (in which case, part of the colony will create a swarm). read more