Morrison's Bumble Bee

Bombus morrisoni

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Apidae
Subfamily: Apinae
Tribe: Bombini
Genus: Bombus
Species: morrisoni

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Bombus morrisoni: //ˈbɒmbus ˌmɒrɪˈsoʊnaɪ//

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Images

Bombus (Separatobombus) morrisoni by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Bombus morrisoni, or Morrison's Bumblebee, is a species of bumblebee native to western North America. It is distinguished by its golden coloration and unique hair patterns, and serves as an important pollinator in its habitat.

Physical Characteristics

Resembles B. nevadensis but with a brighter, more golden hue; vertex has extensive yellow hairs; uniformly covered scutum in yellow hairs; enlarged eyes but less so than in B. nevadensis; yellow tergal hairs extend to T3 when compared to B. griseocollis.

Identification Tips

Look for the brighter golden coloration and extensive yellow hairs on the vertex, as well as the yellow covering on the scutum without a medial spot.

Habitat

Open scrub habitat; nests underground and in above-ground structures and grass hummocks.

Distribution

Native to western North America, especially the Great Basin region and southwestern mountains, including the western United States and British Columbia.

Diet

Feeds on a variety of plants such as milkweed, milkvetch, rabbitbrush, thistles, bee plants, goldenbushes, sunflowers, and goldenrods; important pollinator of alfalfa in some areas.

Conservation Status

Vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Ecosystem Role

Pollinator, important for plant reproduction and ecosystem health.

Economic Impact

Important for agriculture, particularly as a pollinator of alfalfa.