About Crotch's Bumblebee
A western North American bumblebee that has declined by over 90% from its historical range. Once common in California's Central Valley. Threatened by pesticides and habitat loss.
Did You Know?
Has vanished from most of California's agricultural Central Valley where it was once the dominant bumblebee.
How to Identify Crotch's Bumblebee
Crotch's Bumblebee (Bombus crotchii) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Apidae. Adults typically measure 10-16 mm.
Crotch's Bumblebee Habitat
Crotch's Bumblebee is found in heathland habitats, particularly across California, western USA. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Crotch's Bumblebee Diet and Feeding
Crotch's 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 Crotch's Bumblebee Found?
Crotch's Bumblebee can be found in California, western USA, where it inhabits heathland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Crotch's Bumblebee can be found
Is Crotch's Bumblebee Dangerous?
Crotch's 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.
Crotch's Bumblebee Role in Nature
Crotch's 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Crotch's Bumblebee
What does Crotch's Bumblebee look like?
The Crotch's Bumblebee typically measures 10-16 mm.
Where is Crotch's Bumblebee found?
The Crotch's Bumblebee is found in California, western USA and typically inhabits heathland environments.
What does Crotch's Bumblebee eat?
The Crotch's Bumblebee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Crotch's Bumblebee dangerous to humans?
The Crotch's Bumblebee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.
Is Crotch's Bumblebee endangered?
The Crotch's Bumblebee is currently classified as Endangered by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Crotch's Bumblebee?
Has vanished from most of California's agricultural Central Valley where it was once the dominant bumblebee.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Crotch's Bumblebee (Bombus crotchii). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/crotchs-bumblebee
MLA:
"Crotch's Bumblebee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/crotchs-bumblebee.