About Rusty Patched Bumble Bee
A once-common bumble bee named for the rust-colored patch on the second abdominal segment of workers. It was the first bumble bee in the continental United States listed as endangered.
Did You Know?
Its range has shrunk by nearly 87 percent since the 1990s, making it one of the rarest bees in North America.
How to Identify Rusty Patched Bumble Bee
Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Apidae. Adults typically measure 13-20 mm.
Rusty Patched Bumble Bee Habitat
Rusty Patched Bumble Bee is found in underground habitats, particularly across Upper Midwest and northeastern United States, now extremely restricted. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Rusty Patched Bumble Bee Diet and Feeding
Rusty Patched 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 Rusty Patched Bumble Bee Found?
Rusty Patched Bumble Bee can be found in Upper Midwest and northeastern United States, now extremely restricted, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Rusty Patched Bumble Bee can be found
Is Rusty Patched Bumble Bee Dangerous?
Rusty Patched 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.
Rusty Patched Bumble Bee Role in Nature
Rusty Patched 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 Rusty Patched Bumble Bee
What does Rusty Patched Bumble Bee look like?
The Rusty Patched Bumble Bee typically measures 13-20 mm.
Where is Rusty Patched Bumble Bee found?
The Rusty Patched Bumble Bee is found in Upper Midwest and northeastern United States, now extremely restricted and typically inhabits underground environments.
What does Rusty Patched Bumble Bee eat?
The Rusty Patched Bumble Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Rusty Patched Bumble Bee dangerous to humans?
The Rusty Patched Bumble Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.
Is Rusty Patched Bumble Bee endangered?
The Rusty Patched Bumble Bee is currently classified as Critically Endangered by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Rusty Patched Bumble Bee?
Its range has shrunk by nearly 87 percent since the 1990s, making it one of the rarest bees in North America.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/rusty-patched-bumble-bee
MLA:
"Rusty Patched Bumble Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/rusty-patched-bumble-bee.