Identifying Black and Yellow Bumble Bees

As a nature lover and avid gardener, I often find myself observing the different insects that frequent my flower beds and vegetable garden One type of insect I frequently see buzzing around are bumble bees With their large, fuzzy bodies and signature black and yellow striping, bumble bees are easy to recognize. However, there are over 250 different species of bumble bees, and identifying the exact type can be tricky. In this article, I’ll provide tips on how to identify the most common black and yellow bumble bees.

Characteristics of Bumble Bees

Bumble bees have some distinguishing features that set them apart from other types of bees

• Large, round, fuzzy bodies covered in soft hair This gives them a “chubby” appearance compared to the slimmer bodies of honey bees.

• Black and yellow, orange, red, or even white alternating bands on the abdomen and thorax. The patterns and proportions of colors vary by species.

• Small heads with short antennae. Their heads are more rounded compared to honey bees.

• Wings that are translucent and often appear crumpled when folded at rest.

• Pollen baskets (corbicula) on their hind legs to transport pollen back to the nest.

Common Black and Yellow Species

The most ubiquitous bumble bee species in North America can be identified by their black and yellow patterns:

American Bumble Bee

The American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus) is one of the most common. They have a primarily yellow thorax and head with a black abdomen and single yellow band. Their heads are very rounded.

Yellow-Banded Bumble Bee

As their name suggests, the yellow-banded bumble bee (Bombus terricola) has several bright yellow bands on their black abdomen. Their thorax is half black, half yellow. This species has a long face.

Two-Spotted Bumble Bee

The two-spotted bumble bee (Bombus bimaculatus) lives up to its name with just two small yellow spots on its black abdomen. It has a yellow thorax and head.

Brown-Belted Bumble Bee

The brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis) is mostly black but has a distinctive brown band between its wings. Its thorax is yellow and its face is short.

Half-Black Bumble Bee

The half-black bumble bee (Bombus vagans) has a front half that is black and back half that is yellow, including its wings and legs. It has a very short face.

Less Common Color Variations

While black and yellow are the most common, some bumble bees have red, orange, or even white markings:

• Red-belted bumble bee (Bombus rufocinctus) – Black with one red band around abdomen

• Orange-rumped bumble bee (Bombus ternarius) – Mostly black with orange hind legs

• White-shouldered bumble bee (Bombus appositus) – Black with white “shoulders”

Identifying Nesting Behavior

Observing where bumble bees nest can also aid in identifying them:

• Most nest underground in abandoned rodent burrows or under tufts of grass. The entrance is usually just a small hole.

• Some nest in trees and bushes, like raspberry bushes. Look for a grey, papery nest roughly the size of a football.

• Nest entrances may be guarded, so watch nests from a distance.

Knowing when certain species are active can also help pinpoint ID. For example, the brown-belted bumble bee starts foraging very early in spring.

Why Identifying Bumble Bees Matters

Being able to identify bumble bees enables you to understand which species frequent your garden and their roles as pollinators. It also helps track populations of endangered or declining species. Providing the preferred habitats and blooms of each species in your garden encourages biodiversity.

For example, the rusty-patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) was once common but is now endangered. Being able to recognize this black and yellow bee with a rusty red patch on its abdomen allows you to report sightings to help conservation efforts.

Understanding different bumble bees also means knowing which are more likely to sting. Most bumble bees are quite docile unless provoked. But species like the half-black bumble bee are known for being more defensive of their large nests.

The decline of certain bumble bees also highlights the importance of planting native flowers and limiting pesticide use. Together we can protect these furry, busy pollinators that are critical for our food crops and ecosystems.

Next time you spot a striped fuzzy buzzing insect on a blossom, take a closer look and try to identify the bumble bee species. Getting to know these diverse and valuable beasts that call your garden home has many rewards for both you and the bees.