The bumblebee Bombus terrestris is considered one of the most important species for entomological research and the commercial production of pollinator colonies, due to its suitability for rearing under controlled conditions, ability to form manageable colonies, high pollination efficiency, and wide use in behavioral, physiological, and toxicological studies. However, successful rearing of this species is not a simple or merely empirical process; rather, it depends on the stepwise management of a set of biological and technical factors, from the selection of a population source and collection of overwintered queens to establishment, regulation of environmental conditions, feeding, stimulation of oviposition, colony growth, queen production, mating, diapause management, and post-diapause emergence.

Using an applied review approach, this article examines the main principles of semi-industrial rearing of B. terrestris, with a focus on the needs of researchers, entomologists, and small- to medium-scale production units. Within this framework, the biological traits affecting rearing, management of environmental conditions and nutrition, colony data recording, disease control, maintenance of genetic diversity, and quarantine requirements are reviewed. The development status of this technology in Iran, the challenges of domestic production, and the need for responsible commercialization are also discussed. The article concludes that sustainable production of B. terrestris colonies is possible only through continuous management of the rearing stages, quality control, data recording, and compliance with sanitary and environmental considerations.