American Bumble Bee
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Scientific Name:
Bombus pensylvanicus Native
Description
A familiar, robust, hairy bee colored predominantly black and pale yellow with black wings. Body length approximately 0.75 to 1.0 inches in workers (what most observers see). Black fuzzy head with two-toned thorax of yellow then black hairs. Abdomen banded black and yellow; females typically have three yellow segments then a black tail tip and males have less than three yellow segments then black with an occasional yellow tail tip. Only females sting.
Range and Habitat
Formerly southern Canada, most of the eastern United States, and into Mexico. Now occupies approximately 80% of former range, having become extirpated in several areas. Still present in much of the eastern United States and portions of Mexico. Can be found in tall grasslands and edges of woodlands with extensive wild flowers.
Behavior
A social insect, forms colonies similar to other bees. Colonies last less than a year, with a newly mated queen emerging from underground hibernation to start a nest in late winter/early spring. By summer, in addition to creating worker bees, the hive will begin to produce reproductive males and females (queens). Males die within a few weeks, and newly mated queens store body fat to prepare for upcoming hibernation. Prefer nesting above the ground, rather than within burrows or underground caverns.
Population Status
Ranked globally as G3G4 (rare to uncommon); ranked as S3S4 (rare to uncommon) in Louisiana. Extirpated from much of its former range and likely declining elsewhere due to pesticides, pathogens, and loss of habitat like grasslands.
More Information/References