Bumble Bees (Bombus sp.)
Description: Due to the diversity of bumble bee species present in this region, I have grouped them together. Bumble bees are black with orange, yellow, brown or whitish bands. They are covered in dense hair almost completely, distinguishing them from other species of bees. Queens are larger and more richly colored than workers. Five common species are the Common Eastern Bumble Bee, Golden Northern Bumble bee, Half-Black Bumble Bee, Two-Spotted Bumble Bee, and the Tri-colored Bumble bee.
Nest: Built underground in a chamber excavated by the queen and expanded by workers later in the year. Sometimes use cavities in wood or buildings.
Habitat: Bumble Bees are denizens of woodlands and field edges. They are also common around gardens, lawns and orchards. These bees have an important role in pollinating but start the year as a single queen, peaking in number until the frost comes in autumn.
Diet: Nectar, larvae eat both nectar and pollen brought to them by workers. Like honeybees, they visit a wide variety of flowering plants.
Defenses: Although docile in comparison to wasps and hornets, Bumble bees can sting repeatedly but do not leave their stingers behind as do honey bees.
Nest: Built underground in a chamber excavated by the queen and expanded by workers later in the year. Sometimes use cavities in wood or buildings.
Habitat: Bumble Bees are denizens of woodlands and field edges. They are also common around gardens, lawns and orchards. These bees have an important role in pollinating but start the year as a single queen, peaking in number until the frost comes in autumn.
Diet: Nectar, larvae eat both nectar and pollen brought to them by workers. Like honeybees, they visit a wide variety of flowering plants.
Defenses: Although docile in comparison to wasps and hornets, Bumble bees can sting repeatedly but do not leave their stingers behind as do honey bees.