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Giant bumble bee

Bombus dahlbomii

A species of Bumble bees

B. dahlbomii is native to southern South America (Patagonia, Southern Chile, Southern Argentina). The decline of its populations started with the introduction of Bombus terrestris and Bombus ruderatus into Chile to serve as commercial pollinators. B. dahlbomii population decline can also be attributed to the pathogen spillover of the parasitic protozoan Apicystis bombi, which was co-introduced with B. terrestris.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Does the Giant bumble bee sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About Giant bumble bee
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Attributes of Giant bumble bee
Habitat
B. dahlbomii is the only native bumblebee species in southern South America. Its range extends from 30 degrees southwards to the southern tip of mainland South America. It is endemic to temperate forest regions in central/southern Patagonia. B. dahlbomii is also distributed throughout 'Patagonia', where it coexists with two non-native species that belong to the same genus, Bombus terrestris and Bombus ruderatus. In its endemic regions of Chile, Argentina and Patagonia, B. dahlbomii occupies forest environments that have both continuous and fragmented (scattered) distribution of plants, flowers and other resources. Individuals in these two environments have slightly different morphological and behavioral features. Although some reports cite B. dahlbomii outside of southern South America, they fail to substantiate their findings; when compared to other South American bumblebees, B. dahlbomii's range is relatively confined.
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, pollen from various flowers, honey, tree sap occasionally, sugar-rich plant secretions
Larva Food Source
Pollen, nectar, honey, glandular secretions from nurse bees
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The Giant bumble bee has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
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Appearance of Giant bumble bee
B. dahlbomii is predominantly red-orange in color. The thorax of the bee is completely red-orange while the abdomen is generally a lighter shade of orange with a small amount of lightening/discoloration towards the end. Like most bumblebees, the abdomen of the bee has a rounded tip. The head, wing and leg region of B. dahlbomii are distinctly black in color. B. dahlbomii has relatively short antennae and a distinct forewing and smaller hindwing that are usually tucked in above the main thorax area (they lie almost flat). Relatively long bristles cover almost the whole thorax and abdomen of B. dahlbomii, giving the bumblebee an extremely furry appearance. The leg and head regions are covered by shorter bristles than the thorax and abdomen. B. dahlbomii queens usually have relatively heavy body masses of around .5-1.5 grams and large head-to-tail lengths of up to 4 cm. These measurements make B. dahlbomii one of the largest bumblebees in the world and give it the nickname the “flying mouse”.
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Predators of Adult Giant bumble bee
Birds, rodents, spiders, insectivorous mammals
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Interesting Facts About Giant bumble bee
Giant bumble bee can buzz-pollinate by rapidly vibrating their flight muscles to dislodge hidden pollen from flowers.
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Scientific Classification of Giant bumble bee
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Tips for Finding Giant bumble bee
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Youth Habitat of Giant bumble bee
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Habitat Preferences of Giant bumble bee Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of giant bumble bee are typically found in underground nests where the queen has laid eggs on pollen clusters. These nests are often located in well-drained soils in meadows or gardens. To find them, one might look for entrances marked by small piles of dirt or follow the workers as they return from foraging. The pupae remain in the same nests, developing in wax-covered cocoons constructed by the workers. Adult giant bumble bee predominantly frequent flowering plants, from which they collect nectar and pollen. Searching for adults involves scouting areas with abundant blooms, particularly in temperate forest regions or grasslands.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Giant bumble bee
The most suitable time to find giant bumble bee is during their active periods, which typically encompass sunny and warm days, especially mid-morning to early afternoon.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Giant bumble bee
Optimal weather conditions for finding giant bumble bee are dry and calm days, as they avoid foraging in strong winds or heavy rain.
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How and Where Can You Find Giant bumble bee at Different Life Stages
Larva Giant bumble bee larvae are found inside their nest, which is often underground or in dense clumps of grass. To safely observe them, one can look for nests entrances marked by small openings in the ground, avoiding any disturbance to the nest.
Pupal During the pupal stage, giant bumble bee is undergoing metamorphosis inside a cocoon, typically within the nest. Since the nest is usually hidden, finding pupae requires careful observation of nest sites without excavating or disrupting the colony.
Adult Giant bumble bee adults are often spotted in the vicinity of flowers, as they are important pollinators. To find an adult giant bumble bee, visiting flowering plants during their peak foraging times and observing their movements around flowers is effective and non-invasive.
Are Giant bumble bee harmful?
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Are Giant 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 Giant bumble bee
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Toxic to Humans
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Human Stinging
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Toxic to Humans

Giant bumble bee is known for its defense mechanism, which includes a sting capable of delivering venom to potential threats. The venom contains mild neurotoxins that can cause pain and localized swelling in humans. In the absence of an allergic reaction, the effects are temporary and not life-threatening, fading without lasting harm. Chronic or severe cases are exceptionally rare, primarily due to the low toxicity level of the venom and the non-aggressive nature of giant bumble bee.

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Does the Giant bumble bee sting humans?

Giant bumble bee, as a member of the Hymenoptera order, possesses a sting. However, they typically do not sting humans unless provoked or threatened, such as when their nest is disturbed. Like other bees, giant bumble bee can sting when defending their colony. Stings from giant bumble bee can cause pain, swelling, and allergic reactions in some people. The female giant bumble bee is capable of stinging, as males do not possess a stinger. After stinging, giant bumble bee does not die as their stinger is not barbed, allowing them to sting multiple times.

More Effects of Giant bumble bee

Beneficial Effects of Giant bumble bee
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae, Fruit Trees
Pollination Behavior Reason
Collect Pollen To Feed Offspring, Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Giant bumble bee is a robust pollinator, visiting a variety of flowers with a preference for Asteraceae and fruit trees. Attracted by vibrant colors and enticing scents, it collects pollen to nourish its young and to consume. Its fuzzy body inadvertently transfers pollen, aiding in plant reproduction.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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