Bumblebee

Scientific Name: Bombus (genus)

Order & Family: Hymenoptera: Apidae

Size: Typically 0.5 to 1.5 inches (1.3 to 3.8 cm) in length, varying by species and caste.

Bumblebee

Natural Habitat

Found in temperate climates worldwide, including grasslands, forests, urban areas, and gardens. They build nests underground, in dense grass, or in old rodent burrows.

Diet & Feeding

Adult bumblebees primarily feed on nectar for energy and pollen for protein, collected from a wide variety of flowering plants. Larvae are fed pollen and nectar by worker bees.

Behavior Patterns

Bumblebees are social insects living in colonies, though their colonies are generally smaller and more ephemeral than honey bee colonies. They are excellent pollinators due to their 'buzz pollination' (sonication) ability. They are active during the day and can forage in cooler temperatures than many other bees.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits: Crucial pollinators for many wild plants and agricultural crops, contributing significantly to biodiversity and food production. Risks: Females can sting if provoked, but they are generally not aggressive. The sting is painful but typically not dangerous unless there is an allergic reaction.

Identified on: 9/19/2025