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Crotch's bumble bee

Crotch's bumble bee

Bombus crotchii

A species of Bumble bees

Crotch's bumblebee is characterized as a short- or medium- tongue length species. This species could be confused with Bombus caliginosus, Bombus occidentalis, and Bombus vandykei, as they have similar appearances to Crotch's bumblebee. B. crotchii males are generally present from May to September with their peak occurring in July. Workers of this species are active from April to August and queen bees are active for only two months from March until May; the peak of worker activity is between May and June, while queens reach maximum activity in April. Bees of this species all have a square-shaped face and a rounded ankle on the mid leg. Bumblebee abdomen segments are numbered T1-T6. Queens and workers (females) have a black head and face, and display black color on their mid and bottom thorax and between their wing bases. T1 is all black or black in the middle portion. T2 is usually yellow, and sometimes black medially. T3-5 are black or orange and T6 displays black coloring. Queens and workers have a similar appearance, with the main difference being their lengths. Queens are 23-24mm long and workers are 14-18mm long. Drones (males) have a slightly different appearance from queens and workers. They display yellow hair on their faces, and a black stripe mid thorax. The front of the drone abdomen should have a yellow coloring, and the rest of their abdomen is expected to be predominantly black and red. Male abdomens are shorter compared to female and queen abdomens.

Does the Crotch's bumble bee sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About Crotch's bumble bee
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Attributes of Crotch's bumble bee
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
This species lives primarily in California in the United States; inhabited regions of the state include the Mediterranean region, Pacific coast, western desert, great valley, SW foothills. Crotch's bumblebee is extant but uncommon in Baja California, Mexico. It was first reported in Nevada in 2003 in Clark County. Researches found the bumblebee in the Spring Mountain range in south Nevada during surveys for pollinator ecology report. However, most observations of this species occur in southern California in coastal areas. The overwintering habitat of this bumblebee is not known, but it is believed that they have similar behaviors to other bumblebees in this respect, overwintering under leaf litter or soft soil. Crotch's bumblebee inhabits grassland and scrub areas, requiring a hotter and drier environment than other bumblebee species, and can only tolerate a very narrow range of climatic conditions. Crotch's bumblebee nests underground, often in abandoned rodent dens. It is a nonmigratory species of bumblebee.
Adult Food Sources
Pollen, nectar, honey, tree sap, fruit juice
Larva Food Source
Pollen, nectar, honey, glandular secretions from queen bee, brood food produced by worker bees
Biting/stinging
The Crotch's bumble bee may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The Crotch's bumble bee has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Venomous
The Crotch's bumble bee can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
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Species Status of Crotch's bumble bee
Endangered
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Distribution Area of Crotch's bumble bee
United States
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Life Cycle of Crotch's bumble bee
Egg The crotch's bumble bee begins as an oval-shaped egg, typically laid in clusters by the female. The eggs are tiny, and the embryonic crotch's bumble bee inside undergoes development, preparing to hatch into the larval stage.
Larva Hatching from the egg, the larval crotch's bumble bee resembles a worm and is focused on feeding and growth. This stage undergoes several molts, each time increasing in size, but remains without wings or reproductive structures.
Pupal After fully feeding, the larva encases itself in a pupa. Inside, the crotch's bumble bee undergoes a radical transformation. The body structure changes, developing wings, legs, and antennae in preparation for adult life.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult crotch's bumble bee's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Interesting Facts About Crotch's bumble bee
Crotch's bumble bee can vibrate their bodies at frequencies similar to musical notes to dislodge pollen from flowers, a technique known as buzz pollination.
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Scientific Classification of Crotch's bumble bee
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Tips for Finding Crotch's bumble bee
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Adult Habitat of Crotch's bumble bee
Grasslands and Prairies, Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Mountains and Alpine Regions
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Habitat Preferences of Crotch's bumble bee Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of crotch's bumble bee are found in underground burrows created by queens in soft, well-drained soil, often in grassy or cultivated areas. Pupae develop within the safety of these burrows, transforming into adults. Adult crotch's bumble bee can be found pollinating and foraging on a wide variety of flowers in meadows, gardens, and woodland edges. To observe crotch's bumble bee throughout their life cycle, one should start by searching for nest entrances on the ground in early spring, proceed to spot larvae and pupae within the nests by carefully excavating, and then survey for active adults on flowering plants during warmer months.
Are Crotch's bumble bee harmful?
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Are Crotch's bumble bee harmful to humans?

Most bees are docile and only sting when they are irritated. The sting needles of bees are sharp and toxic, and people will obviously feel pain after being stung. Some bees may also cause swelling, redness, fever and itching. Some sensitive people may experience more severe symptoms or even death.
Harmful Effects of Crotch's bumble bee
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Human Stinging
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Does the Crotch's bumble bee sting humans?

Crotch's bumble bee typically sting only when provoked, such as when their nests are disturbed. Stinging is a defense mechanism rather than aggressive behavior. Only female crotch's bumble bee can sting, as males lack a stinger. A sting results in mild pain and swelling for humans. Unlike honeybees, crotch's bumble bee do not die after stinging, as they can retract their smooth stinger without self-harm.

More Effects of Crotch's bumble bee

Beneficial Effects of Crotch's bumble bee
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Collect Pollen To Feed Offspring, Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Crotch's bumble bee is a diligent pollinator, often seen buzzing from flower to flower. Attracted by the vibrant colors and enticing scents, it collects pollen to nourish its young and to feed on. It has a penchant for Asteraceae and fruit trees, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem by aiding in plant reproduction.
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