Bumble Bee Queen – Bombus impatiens
Bombus impatiens, commonly known as the common eastern bumble bee, is a vital pollinator species in North America. Belonging to the family Apidae, this bumble bee plays a crucial role in the pollination of various flowering plants, including crops like tomatoes, blueberries, and peppers.
Characterized by its distinctive black and yellow coloration, Bombus impatiens exhibits a social structure typical of bumble bees, with colonies containing a queen, workers, and males. These colonies are active from early spring to late fall, with queens hibernating during winter.
Research has shown that Bombus impatiens is susceptible to several stressors, including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and pathogens, which have led to population declines in some regions.
Reference: Bugguide.net, Bombus impatiens
North American Insects & Spiders
Online since 2002
