🐝 Ants, Bees & Wasps

Arctic Bumblebee

Bombus polaris

About Arctic Bumblebee

A large, densely furred bumblebee with yellow and black banding adapted to extreme cold. Its thick pile of hair provides superior insulation. Queens emerge from hibernation as soon as snow melts.

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Did You Know?

This bumblebee can maintain its flight muscle temperature at 30 degrees Celsius even when the air temperature is near freezing, thanks to its exceptional insulation.

How to Identify Arctic Bumblebee

Arctic Bumblebee (Bombus polaris) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Apidae. Adults typically measure 15-22 mm.

Arctic Bumblebee Habitat

Arctic Bumblebee is found in beaches & coastal habitats, particularly across Canadian Arctic, Alaska, Greenland, northern Scandinavia, Svalbard, Siberia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Arctic Bumblebee Diet and Feeding

Arctic Bumblebee 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 Arctic Bumblebee Found?

Arctic Bumblebee can be found in Canadian Arctic, Alaska, Greenland, northern Scandinavia, Svalbard, Siberia, where it inhabits beaches & coastal environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Arctic Bumblebee can be found

Is Arctic Bumblebee Dangerous?

Arctic Bumblebee 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.

Arctic Bumblebee Role in Nature

Arctic Bumblebee 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

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Arctic Bumblebee

What does Arctic Bumblebee look like?

The Arctic Bumblebee typically measures 15-22 mm.

Where is Arctic Bumblebee found?

The Arctic Bumblebee is found in Canadian Arctic, Alaska, Greenland, northern Scandinavia, Svalbard, Siberia and typically inhabits beaches & coastal environments.

What does Arctic Bumblebee eat?

The Arctic Bumblebee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.

Is Arctic Bumblebee dangerous to humans?

The Arctic Bumblebee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.

What is an interesting fact about Arctic Bumblebee?

This bumblebee can maintain its flight muscle temperature at 30 degrees Celsius even when the air temperature is near freezing, thanks to its exceptional insulation.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Arctic Bumblebee (Bombus polaris). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/arctic-bumblebee

MLA:
"Arctic Bumblebee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/arctic-bumblebee.