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American bumble bee

American bumble bee

Bombus pensylvanicus

A species of Bumble bees, Also known as Bumble bee

The american bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus) used to be a prevalent bumblebee that lived in farmlands and enjoyed sunflowers. However, they are currently considered to be a vulnerable species given their population diminishing. They like hanging around their nests, but have been known to return from more than a mile away.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Does the American bumble bee sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About American bumble bee
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Attributes of American bumble bee
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
field; sunflower; grass (clover); underground; crevice and burrow (bird nest; rodent burrow; cinder block); human made object (bucket; barn)
Defensive attack
The American bumble bee has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Venomous
The American 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 American 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 American 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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Appearance of American bumble bee
Bombus pensylvanicus is a widespread species, characterized as long-tongued. Characteristics of Bombus pensylvanicus include: a yellow thoracic dorsum, a black posterior, 3 initial alternating black and whitetergal segments, a long and lanky malar space, and short hair. In terms of characteristics within the hive, a larger queen measures 2 - 2.5 cm compared to worker at 1.3 - 1.9 cm. Additionally, males have an outward penis valve head with a broad banana shape.
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How to Identify American bumble bee?

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Life Cycle of American bumble bee
Egg At this initial stage, the american bumble bee is an oval-shaped egg, usually laid in proximity to food sources. Intended for the imminent larva, the color and size vary but are generally small and inconspicuous, primarily serving as a protective enclosure for development.
Larva After hatching, the larval american bumble bee is worm-like, lacking wings and has a voracious appetite to fuel rapid growth. It molts multiple times, increasing in size with each stage. Its color and shape can vary depending on the instar, or larval phase between molts.
Pupal The american bumble bee enters this transformation phase encased in a pupa. Here, it undergoes significant internal changes, reorganizing into an adult. The pupa may burrow or attach to structures and is often camouflaged. This stage is static as the metamorphosis takes place.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult american bumble bee's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction and, for some, on tasks within a colony.
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Adult Size of American bumble bee
1 - 2.5 cm
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Predators of American bumble bee Larvae
Birds, rodents, spiders, insectivorous insects
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Predators of Adult American bumble bee
Birds, rodents, spiders, mantis, dragonflies
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Interesting Facts About American bumble bee
American bumble bee can vibrate their bodies in a way that helps in pollination, a phenomenon known as buzz pollination or sonication.
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Scientific Classification of American bumble bee
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Tips for Finding American bumble bee
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Youth Habitat of American bumble bee
Grasslands and Prairies, Forest and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Habitat Preferences of American bumble bee Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of american bumble bee are typically laid in underground burrows, which are often repurposed small rodent nests. The larvae develop in brood cells within these nests where they are provisioned with pollen and nectar by the workers. As they progress to pupae, they remain in these secluded chambers until ready to emerge. Adult american bumble bee seek out flowers for nectar and pollen, traversing fields, meadows, gardens, and open woodland habitats. To find these stages, one would search subterranean nests in fields or meadows for eggs, larvae, and pupae, and explore flowering plants in similar areas for adults.
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When is the Best Time to Observe American bumble bee
The most suitable time to find american bumble bee is during warm and sunny days when they are most active. This period typically falls between late spring and early fall, which corresponds with the blooming periods of many flowers.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe American bumble bee
Dry and warm conditions are ideal for locating american bumble bee as these conditions facilitate foraging and flight. Conversely, american bumble bee are less active during rainy, windy, or cold weather, making them harder to find.
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How and Where Can You Find American bumble bee at Different Life Stages
Larva Larvae are found within american bumble bee nests, often underground or in cavities. To locate larvae, carefully search for american bumble bee nest entrances and observe traffic, but don't disturb the nest to avoid harm.
Pupal Pupae are also within the nest in cocoons. Locating pupae requires the same caution as finding larvae: look for nests without disturbing american bumble bee, as this stage is delicate and disturbance can be detrimental.
Adult Adult american bumble bee are commonly seen on flowers gathering nectar. To locate adults, visit flowering plants, especially those that are known to attract pollinators, and observe for the distinctive buzzing and flight patterns of american bumble bee.
Are American bumble bee harmful?
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The american 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 American 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 American bumble bee
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Human Stinging
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Toxic to Humans

American bumble bee's primary defense is its sting. The toxin is a mild neurotoxin composed of peptides and enzymes, capable of causing pain and localized swelling in humans. Severity varies by individual sensitivity. Typically, the effects are temporary, but multiple stings may induce more serious complications.

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Toxic to Animals

American bumble bee can deliver a venomous sting that ranges in intensity from mild to severe. While humans may experience significant pain and localized swelling, smaller mammals like dogs and cats could suffer more intense reactions. Insects, faced with a threat from american bumble bee, may succumb quickly to the venom. Adult american bumble bee as well as juveniles are equipped to inject venom, suggesting that the capability to ward off predators or incapacitate prey is critical throughout the organism's life cycle.

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Does the American bumble bee sting humans?

American bumble bee rarely stings humans unless threatened or provoked, with such incidents typically occurring when humans inadvertently approach or disturb their nest. Only the females possess a sting, used defensively. Stinging results in the bee's death, which highlights the behavior as a last resort for colony protection.

More Effects of American bumble bee

Beneficial Effects of American 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
American bumble bee is a diligent pollinator, often seen buzzing from flower to flower. Attracted by the vibrant colors and enticing scents, it collects pollen to nourish its young and to feed on. It has a preference for Asteraceae and fruit trees, where it plays a crucial role in the reproductive cycle of these plants.
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