Bombus bimaculatus

Cresson, 1863

Two-spotted Bumble Bee

Bombus bimaculatus, the Two-spotted , is a social bumble bee native to eastern North America. The is distinguished by two prominent yellow spots on its , which give it its . Unlike many Bombus species, B. bimaculatus has shown relative stability in trends. It is an important in its native range, contributing to both wild plant and agricultural crop pollination.

Bombus bimaculatus by (c) Matt Pelikan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Pelikan. Used under a CC-BY license.Bombus bimaculatus by (c) Nell Cant, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nell Cant. Used under a CC-BY license.Bombus (Pyrobombus) bimaculatus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Bombus bimaculatus: //ˈbɒm.bəs ˌbaɪ.məˈkjuː.lə.təs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from other eastern North American bumble bees by two distinct yellow spots on the . The specific epithet 'bimaculatus' directly references these paired markings. May be confused with other spotted Bombus , but the spot pattern and placement are diagnostic. and queens show the characteristic robust, hairy body form typical of the .

Images

Distribution

Eastern half of the United States and adjacent southeastern Canada. Records from Vermont confirm presence in New England. Range extends broadly across the eastern deciduous forest region and associated .

Diet

Nectar and pollen from diverse flowering plants. Has been observed foraging on mallow (Malva ) and other wildflowers.

Behavior

Social colony structure typical of Bombus, with -dominated colonies. forage for pollen and nectar to provision developing larvae.

Ecological Role

of wild flowering plants and agricultural crops. Contributes to function through pollen transfer and plant services.

Human Relevance

Important for agricultural systems in eastern North America. Subject of citizen science monitoring efforts due to conservation interest in native .

Similar Taxa

  • Bombus impatiensOverlapping range in eastern North America; B. impatiens lacks the distinct paired abdominal spots of B. bimaculatus
  • Bombus vagansSympatric in eastern forests; spot pattern and abdominal coloration differ

Tags

Sources and further reading