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Brown-belted bumble bee

Brown-belted bumble bee

Bombus griseocollis

A species of Bumble bees

The brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis) can be distinguished from other bumble bees because of the brown belt on its abdomen. It's often found in urban landscapes, near sunflowers, thistles, and milkweed. The males often fly very high in search of females, and they've even been spotted at the top of the Empire State Building.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Does the Brown-belted bumble bee sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About Brown-belted bumble bee
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Attributes of Brown-belted bumble bee
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
meadow; wetland; agricultural field; urban area
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, pollen, honey, plant secretions
Venomous
The Brown-belted 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
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Brown-belted bumble bee is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Brown-belted bumble bee feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
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Species Status of Brown-belted bumble bee
It is native to much of the United States except for the Southwest, and to the southernmost regions of several of the provinces of Canada, in some areas its populations may be increasing.
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Distribution Area of Brown-belted bumble bee
Canada, United States
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Appearance of Brown-belted bumble bee
The queen is 2 - 2.5 cm long. Its head and face are black with scattered yellow hairs. The thorax is coated in yellow hairs. The abdomen is yellow banded with black, with a black posterior and black ventral surface. The legs are black. Workers are smaller than the queen, sometimes less than 1 cm long. They are similar in color pattern, but may have a brown-yellow band around the abdomen. Males have very large eyes that span about two thirds the width of the head. The face and thorax have yellow hairs and the abdomen is banded with yellow, yellow-brown, and black. Eggs are white, robust, and slightly curved.
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How to Identify Brown-belted bumble bee?

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Life Cycle of Brown-belted bumble bee
Egg The embryonic stage begins with the egg, which is usually oval and tiny. The brown-belted bumble bee at this stage is immobile, slowly consuming the yolk within the egg as it develops.
Larva After hatching, the larva is worm-like, with a soft, segmented body that dramatically increases in size. The brown-belted bumble bee consumes food voraciously and molts several times.
Pupal The brown-belted bumble bee then enters pupation, where it is encased in a cocoon. It undergoes a significant transformation, reorganizing its body structures.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult brown-belted bumble bee’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. It is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Brown-belted bumble bee
1 - 2.5 cm
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Interesting Facts About Brown-belted bumble bee
Brown-belted bumble bee can regulate their body temperature even in cold conditions, allowing for an earlier start in pollination activities than other bees.
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Scientific Classification of Brown-belted bumble bee
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Tips for Finding Brown-belted bumble bee
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Youth Habitat of Brown-belted bumble bee
Meadows and Fields, Grasslands and Prairies, Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Brown-belted bumble bee
Meadows and Fields, Grasslands and Prairies, Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Gardens and Parks
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How Can You Attract Brown-belted bumble bee
Since brown-belted bumble bee are pollinators, their primary food sources are nectar and pollen from flowers.
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Habitat Preferences of Brown-belted bumble bee Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of brown-belted bumble bee can often be found in underground nests, particularly in well-drained soil. Searching for these locations would involve probing the ground in areas where flowering plants are abundant, as the adults forage for nectar and pollen. The pupae reside within the same underground nests, encased in silk cocoons spun by the larvae. Adult brown-belted bumble bee are typically found in meadows, gardens, and woods where they have access to a variety of flowering plants. These locations offer ample opportunities for foraging and are essential for their growth and development.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Brown-belted bumble bee
The best time to find brown-belted bumble bee would be during warm and sunny days when flowers are abundant, as this is when they are most active in foraging.
Are Brown-belted bumble bee harmful?
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The brown-belted bumble bee can cause toxic reactions with a wide range of severity. However, the toxins are typically targeted at their prey and predators. They are usually not fatal to humans.

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Are Brown-belted 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 Brown-belted bumble bee
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Toxic to Humans
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Toxic to Animals
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Human Stinging
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Toxic to Humans

Brown-belted bumble bee possesses a mild venom used in defense, delivered through a sting. The venom's toxicity mainly constitutes neurotoxins that can cause localized pain and swelling in humans. The sting's effect is generally short-term, with the risk of severe complications being low.

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Toxic to Animals

Brown-belted bumble bee utilizes its sting as a defense mechanism. The sting contains toxins that, while generally causing only mild discomfort to humans, can lead to more serious reactions in smaller animals like dogs or cats. Moreover, certain amphibians such as frogs may exhibit varying degrees of sensitivity. Insects, specifically other bees, can also be affected by the toxin, demonstrating a breadth of impact across different animal groups.

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Does the Brown-belted bumble bee sting humans?

Brown-belted bumble bee typically sting in self-defense or to protect their hive. Though encounters with humans are usually non-aggressive, they can sting if threatened. Only female brown-belted bumble bee have stingers; males cannot sting. Stinging is not fatal for them unless the stinger breaks off, which is rare. Their stings can cause pain and allergic reactions in humans.

More Effects of Brown-belted bumble bee

Beneficial Effects of Brown-belted 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
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae, Fruit Trees
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Brown-belted bumble bee is a diligent pollinator, often seen buzzing from flower to flower. Attracted by the vibrant colors and enticing scents, it gathers pollen to nourish its young and to feed on. It has a soft spot for Asteraceae and fruit trees, where it performs the vital role of pollination.
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