Nevada Bumble Bee

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Bombus nevadensis: //ˈbɒm.bəs ˌnɛ.vəˈdɛn.sɪs//

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Summary

Bombus nevadensis, or the Nevada bumblebee, is a species of bumblebee characterized by its long proboscis and distinct coloration differences between sexes. It primarily inhabits open areas and forages on a variety of flowers.

Physical Characteristics

A bumblebee with a long proboscis (tongue) and a short, dense fur. Females have an entirely black head, while the male has a yellow face and top of the head. The thorax is yellow with a potential hairless black spot; the first three abdominal segments are yellow and the rest are black, with the tail tip often red in males. Average body length: queen 20 mm, worker 17 mm, male 14 mm.

Identification Tips

Females resemble Bombus morrisoni but usually have fewer yellow hairs on the vertex, a conspicuous spot in the middle of the scutum, and a darker hue to the yellow coat.

Habitat

Inhabits open areas such as prairies and meadows; usually nests underground.

Distribution

Native to North America, occurring from Alaska to California in the west, and east to Wisconsin, Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. Recorded from Western Canada and the following US states: SD, NE, MT, WY, CO, NM, UT, AZ, ID, NV, WA, OR, CA.

Diet

Food plants include milkvetches, thistles, melilots, bergamot, penstemons, phacelias, salvias, betony, and clovers.

Life Cycle

A late-emerging species.

Evolution

Bombus auricomus has often been considered a subspecies. Genetic and morphological evidence supports them as separate species.

Similar Taxa

• Bombus auricomus
• Bombus morrisoni

Tags

• Bumblebee
• North America
• Pollinator
• Insect