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Common Eastern Bumble Bee

Common Eastern Bumble Bee

Bombus impatiens

A species of Bumble bees

The common Eastern Bumble Bee (Bombus impatiens) is one of the most important pollinator bees in North America. A decline in the bee population will lead to financial hardships for farmers and reduced food yield. Their efficiency in pollination and foraging comes from their ability to drop "traplines." These lines guide other bees to the correct path for food while informing them of depleted locations.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Does the Common Eastern Bumble Bee sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About Common Eastern Bumble Bee
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Attributes of Common Eastern Bumble Bee
Colors
Black
Yellow
Habitat
forest; agricultural area; wetland; urban area; field; wooded area
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, pollen, tree sap, juices from ripe fruits, honey
Larva Food Source
Pollen, nectar, honey, glandular secretions from queen bee, bee bread
Biting/stinging
The Common Eastern Bumble Bee may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The Common Eastern 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
The Common Eastern 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 Common Eastern Bumble Bee
Broadly, they can be found in the Eastern temperate forest region of the eastern United States, southern Canada, and the eastern Great Plains.
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Distribution Area of Common Eastern Bumble Bee
The eastern United States, southern Canada, the eastern Great Plains
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Appearance of Common Eastern Bumble Bee
They have short and even hair, medium-sized heads with cheeks that are similar in width to their heads, and a long and rectangular body. In general, queens and workers are similar in their coloring, pubescence, and structure. However, with a body length of 1.7 - 2.5 cm, queens have bigger bodies than males or workers. Workers have bodies that are 9 - 16 mm, and males have bodies that are 1.2 - 1.8 cm long. In addition to the difference in their sizes, males slightly differ in their coloring. While queens and workers are both black with a yellow thorax and first abdominal segment, males have a yellow face and head.
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How to Identify Common Eastern Bumble Bee?

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Predators of Common Eastern Bumble Bee Larvae
Birds, rodents, spiders, insects such as wasps and bees from other colonies
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Predators of Adult Common Eastern Bumble Bee
Birds, rodents, various insectivorous mammals, larger insects such as praying mantises, spiders
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Interesting Facts About Common Eastern Bumble Bee
Common Eastern Bumble Bee can sense the electric fields of flowers, which helps them locate and identify different floral resources efficiently.
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Scientific Classification of Common Eastern Bumble Bee
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Tips for Finding Common Eastern Bumble Bee
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Youth Habitat of Common Eastern Bumble Bee
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Common Eastern Bumble Bee
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Gardens and Parks
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How Can You Attract Common Eastern Bumble Bee
Sweet solutions like sugar water or floral scents can attract common Eastern Bumble Bee given their role as pollinators and their need for nectar.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Common Eastern Bumble Bee
Warm, dry, and sunny conditions are ideal as common Eastern Bumble Bee do not typically fly in the rain, strong winds, or cold weather.
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How and Where Can You Find Common Eastern Bumble Bee at Different Life Stages
Larva Common Eastern Bumble Bee larvae are found in the nest, typically in wax cells where the queen has laid eggs. Locating a nest is best done by observing adult common Eastern Bumble Bee returning from foraging and tracing their flight path back to the entrance.
Pupal Common Eastern Bumble Bee pupae reside in the same nesting site within cocoons made of silk spun by the larvae, and as such will not be visible until they emerge as adults.
Adult Adult common Eastern Bumble Bee are often found on flowering plants. Look for them during their peak foraging times by identifying plants they are known to prefer and observing their foraging patterns. Approach gently to avoid startle-induced flight.
Are Common Eastern Bumble Bee harmful?
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The common Eastern 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 Common Eastern 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 Common Eastern Bumble Bee
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Toxic to Humans
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Human Stinging
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Toxic to Humans

Common Eastern Bumble Bee possesses a defense mechanism involving a sting that delivers apitoxin, a compound containing enzymes, peptides, and amines. This toxin can induce pain and swelling in humans, with immediate symptoms typically mild and localized. In rare severe cases, it might cause more pronounced swelling or infection. Long-term effects are generally insignificant for non-allergic individuals.

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Does the Common Eastern Bumble Bee sting humans?

Common Eastern Bumble Bee rarely stings humans, as it is generally non-aggressive. It possesses a sting but typically reserves it for defense against predators or threats to its nest. Female common Eastern Bumble Bee can sting but rarely do unless provoked, as stinging humans can be fatal to the bee, deterring unnecessary use. Males lack stingers entirely and are unable to sting.

More Effects of Common Eastern Bumble Bee

Beneficial Effects of Common Eastern Bumble Bee
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, Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Common Eastern Bumble Bee is a diligent pollinator, often seen buzzing from flower to flower. It is attracted by the vivid colors and enticing scents of blossoms, especially those of the Asteraceae family and fruit trees. While collecting pollen to feed its offspring and for its own nourishment, common Eastern Bumble Bee inadvertently transfers pollen, aiding in plant reproduction.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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Eulaema meriana
Eulaema meriana

Eulaema meriana resembles a bumblebee in appearance and is covered in short dense hairs. At first glance Eulaema bees look like large bumblebee queens. They are relatively large bees with faint metallic colorations. The head of the bee is black, and the thorax brownish black with a large, glossy black scutellum. Their abdomen is black with three transverse pale yellowish bands on the anterior half, and the posterior third is reddish brown. E. meriana also possess membranous wings that are dark at the base and paler at the tips. The legs are black and the tibia of the hind legs are much thicker. Males possess hollows on their hind legs, while females have pollen baskets. In general, the species have long tongues that are thought to be an evolutionary adaptation that favors nectar collection. The large body size is thought to allow the bees to fly in cooler, rainy conditions and continue foraging. It has also been suggested that the larger body size can help them forage for longer distances.

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Eulaema mocsaryi

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