About American Bumble Bee
A large bumble bee with a yellow thorax, black band between the wings, and a mostly yellow abdomen. Once one of the most common bumble bees in North America, it has experienced significant population declines.
Did You Know?
Its populations have declined by nearly 90 percent in some regions, prompting conservation concern across its entire range.
How to Identify American Bumble Bee
American Bumble Bee (Bombus pensylvanicus) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Apidae. Adults typically measure 15-25 mm.
American Bumble Bee Habitat
American Bumble Bee is found in farmland habitats, particularly across Eastern and central United States, now declining across its range. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
American Bumble Bee Diet and Feeding
American Bumble Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is American Bumble Bee Found?
American Bumble Bee can be found in Eastern and central United States, now declining across its range, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where American Bumble Bee can be found
Is American Bumble Bee Dangerous?
American Bumble Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
American Bumble Bee Role in Nature
American Bumble Bee plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About American Bumble Bee
What does American Bumble Bee look like?
The American Bumble Bee typically measures 15-25 mm.
Where is American Bumble Bee found?
The American Bumble Bee is found in Eastern and central United States, now declining across its range and typically inhabits farmland environments.
What does American Bumble Bee eat?
The American Bumble Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is American Bumble Bee dangerous to humans?
The American Bumble Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.
Is American Bumble Bee endangered?
The American Bumble Bee is currently classified as Vulnerable by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about American Bumble Bee?
Its populations have declined by nearly 90 percent in some regions, prompting conservation concern across its entire range.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). American Bumble Bee (Bombus pensylvanicus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/american-bumble-bee
MLA:
"American Bumble Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/american-bumble-bee.