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Western bumble bee

Western bumble bee

Bombus occidentalis

A species of Bumble bees, Also known as Importance of nectar

Western bumble bee, a member of the Hymenoptera order, exhibits a remarkable social structure in its colonies, often formed under the rigorous leadership of a single reproductive female. These colonies are comprised of individuals varying in size and function, from larger females tasked with foraging and establishing next year's colony, to smaller males with singular breeding purposes. Seasonally, the colony thrives, only to decline with the onset of colder climates, reflecting the species' sensitivity to environmental changes.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Does the Western bumble bee sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About Western bumble bee
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Attributes of Western bumble bee
Colors
Black
Yellow
Habitat
Bombus occidentalis was once one of the most common bee species in the North West America. They have been found from the Mediterranean California all the way up to the Tundra regions of Alaska, making them one of the bees with the widest range geographic range. However, recently there has been a noticeable decline in population. In the past decade, the population of B. occidentalis has dropped by around 40.32%. The disappearance of these bees have been especially significant in California, western Oregon, and western Washington. The range and persistence of B. occdientalis has also gone down by around 20%. Some scientists point to the rise of Nosema, a parasite, as the reason for the decline in population. Others say that the population decline could have come because of the invasion of European honey bees. A recent study in 2016 suggests that the Western bumblebee population is rebounding, possibly due to evolutionary development of resistance to Nosema.
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, pollen, honey, tree sap, juices from fruits
Larva Food Source
Pollen, nectar, honey, royal jelly, brood food (a mixture of nectar and pollen)
Biting/stinging
The Western bumble bee may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The Western 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 Western 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 Western bumble bee
Due to their role as pollinators, loss of bumblebee populations can have far-ranging ecological impacts. B. occidentalis once had a wide range that included northern California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, western Nebraska, western North Dakota, western South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, northern Arizona, and New Mexico. Since 1998, it has been declining in population. The areas of greatest decline have been reported in western and central California, western Oregon, western Washington, and British Columbia. From southern British Columbia to central California, the species has nearly disappeared. However, the historic range was never systematically sampled. Agricultural and urban development has resulted in bumblebee habitat becoming increasingly fragmented. All bumblebee species have small effective population sizes due to their breeding system, and are particularly vulnerable to inbreeding which reduces the genetic diversity within a population, and theoretically can increase the risk of population decline. Between 1992 and 1994, B. occidentalis and B. impatiens were commercially reared for crop pollination, shipped to European rearing facilities and then shipped back. Bumblebee expert Dr. Robbin Thorp has hypothesized that their decline is in part due to a disease acquired from a European bee while being reared in the same facility. North American bumblebees would have had no prior resistance to this pathogen. Upon returning to North America, affected bumblebees interacted and spread the disease to wild populations. B. occidentalis and B. franklini were affected in the western United States. B. affinis and B. terricola were affected in the eastern United States. All four species' populations have been declining since the 1990s. Additionally, these four bumblebee species are closely related and belong to the same subgenus; Bombus sensu stricto. Dr. Thorp has also hypothesized that B. impatiens species may have been the carrier and that different bumblebee species may differ in their pathogen sensitivity. In 2007, the National Research Council determined that the major cause of decline in native bumblebees appeared to be recently introduced non-native fungal and protozoan parasites, including Nosema bombi and Crithidia bombi.
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Predators of Western bumble bee Larvae
Birds, rodents, wasps, beetles, flies
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Predators of Adult Western bumble bee
Birds, rodents, wasps, spiders, mammals
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Interesting Facts About Western bumble bee
B. occidentalis are known for their unique 'buzz pollination' which dislodges pollen through vibration, critical for some plant species' reproduction.
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Scientific Classification of Western bumble bee
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Tips for Finding Western bumble bee
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Youth Habitat of Western bumble bee
Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Mountains and Alpine Regions, Forests and Woodlands
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Habitat Preferences of Western bumble bee Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of western bumble bee are commonly found in underground nests which are typically built in abandoned rodent cavities or naturally occurring subterranean spaces. The larval stage also develops within these protected nests, where they are nurtured by workers. To observe the larval stage, one must carefully excavate around the suspected nest site. Pupae reside within the nest as well, in silk cocoons. Adults, which include foraging workers and queens, can be seen visiting flowers in grasslands, gardens, and various other flowering habitats in search of nectar and pollen; males can be found patrolling for mates. To find adults, one should observe flowering plants during the spring and summer when western bumble bee are most active.
Are Western bumble bee harmful?
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Are Western 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 Western bumble bee
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Toxic to Humans
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Human Stinging
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Toxic to Humans

Western bumble bee, a species of bumblebee, possesses a sting that can deliver venom. This venom contains mild neurotoxins that can cause localized pain, redness, and swelling in humans. While typically not hazardous, the sting's effects usually subside without long-term consequences. In severe cases, which are rare, complications might include more intense local reactions or secondary infections from the sting site.

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Does the Western bumble bee sting humans?

Western bumble bee females can sting, usually when threatened, as they possess a stinger. However, males do not sting. Incidents are rare since western bumble bee tends to be non-aggressive but may sting humans if their nest is disturbed. Unlike honeybees, western bumble bee can sting multiple times without dying, but stings can induce allergic reactions in humans.

More Effects of Western bumble bee

Beneficial Effects of Western 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
Western bumble bee is a diligent pollinator, buzzing from flower to flower. Attracted by the vibrant colors and enticing scents, it gathers pollen on its hairy body while feeding on nectar. This pollen is then transferred to other flowers, aiding in plant reproduction. Western bumble bee prefers plants like Asteraceae and fruit trees, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem.
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