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Bombus sandersoni (Sanderson's bumble bee)

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Taxonomy

No information at this time.

Description

Bombus sandersoni can be easily confused with Bombus vagans due to their similar color patterns. Both may be called "two stripe bumble bees" as the first two abdominal segments are yellow and the rest of the abdomen is black. The face of B. sandersoni is not as long as that of B. vagans so if taking photos, it is helpful to include a view of the front.

Nest Structure

May often be found underground, in or near wooded areas.

Activity Period

No information at this time.

Commonly Used Flower

Epilobium, Malus, Penstemon, Rhododendron, Rubus, Cimifuga, Kalmia, Lonicera, Lyonia, Melilotus, Monarda, Vaccinium

Conservation Status

IUCN species of least concern.

References

Mitchell, T. B. 1962. Bees of the Eastern United States. Vol. II. North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station Technical Bulletin 152: 1-557. 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.