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Garden bumblebee

Garden bumblebee

Bombus hortorum

A species of Bumble bees, Also known as Garden bumble bee

Distinguished by its significant role in pollination, garden bumblebee is a fuzzy forager, favoring a wide variety of flowering plants. During its larval stage, it consumes a protein-rich diet provided by its caretakers, transitioning to nectar and pollen as it matures. Sporting a mix of yellow, black, and white on its abdomen, this creature has developed a long tongue, perfectly suited for accessing deep-set nectar reserves within flowers, exhibiting an impressive adaptation to its ecological niche.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Does the Garden bumblebee sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About Garden bumblebee
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Attributes of Garden bumblebee
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
grassland; forest; field and edge
Adult Food Sources
Pollen, nectar, tree sap, honey, juices from fruits
Larva Food Source
Wax, honey, pollen, nectar, glandular secretions from adult worker bees
Biting/stinging
The Garden bumblebee may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The Garden bumblebee has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Venomous
The Garden bumblebee 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 Garden bumblebee 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 Garden bumblebee feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
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Species Status of Garden bumblebee
It is found in Europe.
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Distribution Area of Garden bumblebee
Most of Europe north to 70°N, parts of Asia and New Zealand
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Appearance of Garden bumblebee
This bumblebee has an oblong head and a very long tongue, about 1.5 cm, and in some cases even 2 cm. The queen is variable in size, with body lengths between 1.9 cm and 2 cm, and wing spans from 3.5 - 4 cm. The workers are almost as large, the larger ones overlapping the smaller queens. Their color is black with a yellow collar, a narrow yellow band on the scutellum, and a third yellow band on terga (abdominal segments) 1 and 2. The tail is white. Darker forms, with little yellow in their fur, are common.
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How to Identify Garden bumblebee?

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Predators of Garden bumblebee Larvae
Passerine birds, beetles, wasps, mites
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Predators of Adult Garden bumblebee
Birds, rodents, lizards, wasps, spiders
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Interesting Facts About Garden bumblebee
Garden bumblebee have tongues that are almost as long as their bodies, enabling them to reach deep into long-tubed flowers that other bees cannot.
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Scientific Classification of Garden bumblebee
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Tips for Finding Garden bumblebee
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Youth Habitat of Garden bumblebee
Grasslands and Prairies, Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Garden bumblebee
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 Garden bumblebee
To attract garden bumblebee, one can use sweet scents and bright colors. Setting up feeding stations with sugar water or planting nectar-rich flowers will also attract garden bumblebee due to their need for nectar and pollen.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Garden bumblebee
Sunny and mild weather conditions are ideal for spotting garden bumblebee, as cold or rainy weather can limit their activity and make them stay closer to their nest.
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How and Where Can You Find Garden bumblebee at Different Life Stages
Larva Garden bumblebee larvae are typically found inside their nest, which may be underground or in tussocks of grass or cavities. To find larval garden bumblebee, search for nest entrances and observe the workers entering with pollen, but do not disturb the nest.
Pupal Garden bumblebee pupae are located within the nest in silk cocoons. Finding pupae involves identifying the nest location - a task usually undertaken by researchers for study purposes, and should be done with care to avoid harm to the garden bumblebee or the person searching.
Adult Garden bumblebee adults are commonly found in flower-rich habitats. To find adult garden bumblebee, visit gardens, meadows, or fields with a variety of blooming flowers during the time of day they are most active. Look for them as they forage on flowers for nectar and pollen.
Are Garden bumblebee harmful?
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The garden bumblebee 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 Garden bumblebee 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 Garden bumblebee
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Toxic to Humans
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Human Stinging
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Toxic to Humans

Garden bumblebee harbors venom containing melittin, apamin, phospholipase A2, and hyaluronidase. When humans are stung, these components can cause a mild toxic reaction characterized by pain, swelling, and redness. Repeated or multiple stings may lead to more severe symptoms, including nausea and muscle spasms, due to melittin and apamin. Phospholipase A2 and hyaluronidase can potentially disrupt cell membranes and promote the spread of toxins, though such severe cases are uncommon.

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Does the Garden bumblebee sting humans?

Garden bumblebee generally do not sting humans unless provoked. Females have a sting but are largely docile and will only sting in defense, such as when their nest is disturbed. Males cannot sting. The impact of a sting is usually minor swelling and pain. Garden bumblebee can sting multiple times without dying, unlike some relatives, as their stingers are not barbed.

More Effects of Garden bumblebee

Beneficial Effects of Garden bumblebee
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
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
Garden bumblebee is a diligent pollinator, often seen buzzing from flower to flower. It is particularly attracted to long-tubed flowers like honeysuckle due to their shape and scent. This bee collects pollen primarily to feed its offspring, inadvertently transferring pollen as it moves among blooms.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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