🐝 Ants, Bees & Wasps

Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee

Bombus bohemicus

About Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee

A social parasite that invades colonies of other bumble bees, killing the queen and enslaving the workers. Females lack pollen baskets since they never collect pollen themselves.

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Did You Know?

After killing the host queen, the cuckoo female forces the orphaned workers to raise her own offspring instead.

How to Identify Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee

Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee (Bombus bohemicus) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Apidae. Adults typically measure 15-22 mm.

Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee Habitat

Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee is found in underground habitats, particularly across Europe, Northern Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee Diet and Feeding

Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee feeds on pollen collected from flowers. As a pollen feeder, it plays a role in pollination, helping to fertilise plants as it moves from flower to flower.

Where Is Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee Found?

Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee can be found in Europe, Northern Asia, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee can be found

Is Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee Dangerous?

Gypsy Cuckoo 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.

Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee Role in Nature

Gypsy Cuckoo 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

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee

What does Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee look like?

The Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee typically measures 15-22 mm.

Where is Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee found?

The Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee is found in Europe, Northern Asia and typically inhabits underground environments.

What does Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee eat?

The Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee feeds on pollen collected from flowers.

Is Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee dangerous to humans?

The Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee 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 Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee?

After killing the host queen, the cuckoo female forces the orphaned workers to raise her own offspring instead.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee (Bombus bohemicus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/gypsy-cuckoo-bumble-bee

MLA:
"Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/gypsy-cuckoo-bumble-bee.