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Hill cuckoo-bee

Hill cuckoo-bee

Bombus rupestris

A species of Bumble bees, Also known as Hill cuckoo bumblebee, Hill cuckoo bee

The female is much larger than the male; she has a length of 20–25 mm (0.79–0.98 in), while the drone usually is not more than 16 mm (0.63 in). The bumblebee is black, with the last abdominal segments coloured orange-red. Due to its parasitic lifestyle, no workers exist.

General Info About Hill cuckoo-bee
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Attributes of Hill cuckoo-bee
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
Bombus rupestris is found in flower-rich habitats, such as meadows and along hedgerows. The bumblebee parasitizes the nests of the red-tailed bumblebee, B. lapidarius, whose queen is killed or subjugated.
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, pollen, honey, plant exudates, sometimes sugar water from human feeders
Larva Food Source
Pollen, nectar, honey, bee bread (mixture of pollen and nectar), royal jelly (for developing queens)
Biting/stinging
The Hill cuckoo-bee may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Hill cuckoo-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
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Species Status of Hill cuckoo-bee
Common and widespread
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Distribution Area of Hill cuckoo-bee
Most of Europe, Central Greece, Turkey
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Predators of Adult Hill cuckoo-bee
Birds, rodents, lizards, spiders, mantis, dragonflies
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Interesting Facts About Hill cuckoo-bee
Intriguingly, hill cuckoo-bee has the ability to 'buzz pollinate', vibrating flowers to shake loose pollen that's inaccessible to other pollinators.
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Scientific Classification of Hill cuckoo-bee
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Tips for Finding Hill cuckoo-bee
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Youth Habitat of Hill cuckoo-bee
Grasslands and Prairies, Mountains and Alpine Regions, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Hill cuckoo-bee
Grasslands and Prairies, Mountains and Alpine Regions, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Forests and Woodlands, Tundra
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When is the Best Time to Observe Hill cuckoo-bee
The best time to find hill cuckoo-bee is typically during warmer months when flowers are in bloom, as hill cuckoo-bee are more active during this period.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Hill cuckoo-bee
Dry and warm conditions are more suitable for locating hill cuckoo-bee, as they are less active during cold, rainy, or windy weather.
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How and Where Can You Find Hill cuckoo-bee at Different Life Stages
Larva Larvae of hill cuckoo-bee can be found in the brood cells within their nests, which are typically constructed underground or occasionally above ground in abandoned bird nests. It is advisable to observe the nest entrance and surrounding flowers for adult activity without disturbing the nest.
Pupal Hill cuckoo-bee's pupae remain inside their brood cells in the nest. Locating pupal hill cuckoo-bee involves finding the nest, which should not be disturbed as it might harm the developing insects and also potentially provoke defensive behavior from the adults.
Adult Adult hill cuckoo-bee can be spotted buzzing around flowers, where they forage for nectar and pollen. Flower-rich areas, gardens, meadows, and fields are optimal places to observe or capture adult hill cuckoo-bee. Use non-harmful methods such as net capturing if necessary for close observation.
Are Hill cuckoo-bee harmful?
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Are Hill cuckoo-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.
Beneficial Effects of Hill cuckoo-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
Hill cuckoo-bee is a diligent pollinator, buzzing from flower to flower. Attracted by the vivid colors and sweet scents, it gathers pollen on its hairy body while feeding on nectar. The pollen is then transferred to other blooms, aiding in plant reproduction. Hill cuckoo-bee prefers Asteraceae and fruit trees, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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