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Bombus bimaculatus (two-spotted bumble bee)

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Taxonomy

No information at this time.

Description

Bombus bimaculatus is a medium-tongued species with long, uneven hair. The cheek or malar space is just longer than wide. Both males and females can be recognized by the "two spots" on the abdomen. The first abdominal segment is yellow while the second is black on the outer edges but has yellow in the middle in a "W" shape.

Nest Structure

Bombus bimaculatus primarily build their nests underground and may be close to or within wooded areas or urban parks and gardens.

Activity Period

Bombus bimaculatus is one of the first bumble bees to emerge in spring in Minnesota. Most colonies are completed by mid-summer.

Commonly Used Flower

Campanula, Lonicera, Monarda, Prunus, Rosa, Rubus, Tilia

Conservation Status

Bombus bimaculatus is an IUCN species of least concern.

References

Laverty, T. M., & Harder, L. D. (1988). The bumble bees of eastern canada. The Canadian Entomologist, 120(11), 965-987.
Williams, P., Thorp, R., Richardson, L., & Colla, S. (2014). Bumble bees of North America : An identification guide. Princeton: Princeton University Press.

Minnesota Record Map

These data are from the Minnesota Bee Atlas project.