Bug Identifier
Common Eastern Bumble Bee
Community identification

Common Eastern Bumble Bee

Bombus impatiens

Order & Family
Hymenoptera: Apidae
Size
13mm to 21mm in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Gardens, meadows, woodlands, and urban areas across Eastern North America

Diet & Feeding

Nectar and pollen from a wide variety of flowering plants (generalist forager)

Behavior Patterns

Eusocial insects that nest underground; they are active from early spring to late fall and use sonication (buzz pollination) to release pollen from flowers

Risks & Benefits

Critical pollinators for crops and wild flowers; they are generally non-aggressive but can sting if the nest is threatened