Fuzzy-horned Bumble Bee

Bombus mixtus

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Bombus mixtus: /ˈbɒmbʊs ˈmɪkstəs/

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

Images

Bombus (Pyrobombus) mixtus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Bombus (Pyrobombus) mixtus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Bombus (Pyrobombus) mixtus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Bombus (Pyrobombus) mixtus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Bombus (Pyrobombus) mixtus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Bombus (Pyrobombus) mixtus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Bombus mixtus, commonly known as the fuzzy-horned bumblebee or mixed bumblebee, is a widely distributed and common species in western mountains, primarily known for its distinctive coloration and habitat preferences.

Physical Characteristics

Relatively small with a red tail tip separated by black from pale hairs on T1 and T2. Males have a distinctive patch of dense hairs on basal segments of their flagellum, only visible from certain angles. The apicolateral corners of T2 are often black in mixtus males.

Identification Tips

Males can be distinguished from Bombus frigidus by the red tail tip being separated from the yellow basal tergal segments and the black apicolateral corners of T2.

Habitat

Lives in mountain habitat, taiga and tundra habitat in northern areas, open grassy habitats, chaparral, shrublands, and meadows.

Distribution

Native to western North America, occurring in western Canada and the United States, and disjunct in the Great Lakes region.

Diet

Feeds on various flowers including ceanothus, fireweed, coyote mints, penstemons, phacelias, rhododendrons, and groundsels.

Similar Taxa

Tags

  • Bombus
  • bumblebee
  • fuzzy-horned bumblebee
  • mixed bumblebee
  • western North America