The red belted bumble bee (Bombus rufocinctus) is a truly remarkable insect With its striking coloration and important role as a pollinator, this species deserves appreciation. In this article, we’ll explore some key facts about the natural history and ecology of the red belted bumble bee
Identification
The red belted bumble bee can be identified by its medium length hair and yellow thorax with a distinctive black band between the wings. However the abdominal coloration is extremely variable which can make this species tricky to recognize on the wing.
There are two main color morphs
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Light morph: Abdomen is yellow-yellow-red-red-black-black. This is the most commonly encountered morph.
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Dark morph: Abdomen is black-black-yellow-black-yellow-black.
Queens, workers, and males can all exhibit either morph. In general, queens and workers tend to be a bit smaller than other common bumble bee species. Males have similar variable patterns but can be identified by the yellow facial hair.
Range and Habitat
The red belted bumble bee has a wide distribution across much of North America. Its range stretches across Canada from Nova Scotia to British Columbia. In the United States, it is found throughout the Midwest, Northeast, Mountain West, and Pacific Coast states.
This species inhabits open meadows, prairies, gardens, and agricultural areas. It is most abundant in proximity to wooded areas. The red belted bumble bee can adapt readily to urban parks and gardens.
Life Cycle
The red belted bumble bee has an annual, colony-based life cycle similar to other bumble bees. In spring, the overwintered queen emerges and finds a suitable nesting site, often in a pre-existing hole or cavity. She builds wax pots to store nectar, and lays eggs in wax cylinders.
The eggs hatch into larvae, which are fed nectar and pollen by the queen. The larvae pupate, and then emerge as adult workers in early summer. The colony grows through summer, reaching a peak worker population in July when new queens and males are produced. At the end of the season, the old queen, workers and males die, while newly minted queens mate and then hibernate over winter to begin the cycle anew.
Diet and Foraging
Red belted bumble bees visit a wide variety of flowering plants and are important pollinators. Some of the most commonly visited flowers include clovers, vetch, thistles, goldenrods, asters, monarda and mints.
This species is notable for having a short tongue in relation to its body size. This morphological adaptation allows it to access nectar from flowers with shorter corollas. However, it cannot forage as efficiently on plants with deeper flower structures.
Conservation Status
The red belted bumble bee has a broad range and is generally common where found. However, its relative rarity compared to other bumble bees makes it difficult to fully assess population trends. While the species seems stable overall, more data is needed on its distribution and abundance to determine if any conservation actions are warranted.
Threats facing the red belted bumble bee mirror those impacting many other pollinators, including habitat loss, pesticides, disease, and climate change. Providing wildflower meadows and protecting areas of natural habitat can help provide this species with diverse foraging sites. Avoiding pesticide use and planting bee-friendly gardens are other ways to support this unique bumble bee.
An Appealing Pollinator
With its bright banding and color morphs, the red belted bumble bee is one of our most visually striking native bees. It plays an important ecological role in plant pollination across its range. While we still have more to learn about the population health of this species, appreciating its natural history and beauty can perhaps inspire us to protect it. Whether spotted hovering over a patch of clover or nectaring on a flower, the red belted bumble bee always warrants a second look.
Red Belted Bumblebee
FAQ
Do red belted bumble bees sting?
Are orange belted bumble bees aggressive?
Are red belted bumble bees endangered?
How do you identify a red belted bumble bee?
Where can I find a red-belted bumble?
The Red-belted bumble is primarily found in eastern parts of Washington. The Blue mountains are a good place to look for them. Tags: bee, bees, Bombus, bumble, Field, ID, identification, Red-belted, rufocinctus, tips, Washington
Are red-belted bumble bees common in Wisconsin?
The red-belted bumble bee can be seen throughout Wisconsin, but it is not as common as other species. Historical and contemporary records suggest that this species makes up < 10% of records. Seemingly stable. However, because it is not super common, it is difficult to tell what the true status of this species is.
What bumble bees live in Washington State?
Within Washington, there are four possible bumble species that might cause confusion: the Black tail bumble bee, the Two form bumble bee, the Hunt bumble bee and the Forest bumble bee. The Red-belted can be distinguished from the Black tail bumble bee, B. melanopygus because the Red-belted’s scutum is yellow, while the Black tail scutum is cloudy.
What does a bumble bee thorax look like?
A bumble bee’s thorax will generally be yellow or a mix of yellow and black. The amount and location of yellow/black hair on the thorax can help determine the identification of a species. The colors of hair on the sides of the thorax (below the wing joints) can also help determine the species.