Bombus sylvicola

Kirby, 1837

Forest Bumble Bee, Forest Bumblebee

Bombus sylvicola, the forest , is a North American bumble bee with a broad distribution across Canada and Alaska, extending into the western contiguous United States. In California, it occurs only at high elevations, making it a high-altitude . The species has been identified as particularly vulnerable to climate change, with rising summer temperatures threatening its . Research indicates that B. sylvicola is among the cool-adapted bumble bee species experiencing decline due to warming temperatures.

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Bombus sylvicola: /ˈbɒmbus sɪlˈvɪkələ/

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Habitat

Occurs in forested environments across its range. In the southernmost extent of its distribution in California, it is restricted to high-elevation .

Distribution

Native to North America. Occurs throughout most of Canada, extending into Alaska and the western contiguous United States. In California, limited to high-elevation areas.

More Details

Climate Vulnerability

Research from UC Davis (2023) identified B. sylvicola as one of three most threatened by rising summer temperatures, alongside Bombus occidentalis and Bombus bifarius. The study found that above 50°N latitude, even warm-adapted bumble bee species are declining, suggesting northern bumble bee may be in crisis.

Taxonomic Notes

First described by William Kirby in 1837. The specific epithet 'sylvicola' refers to its forest-dwelling habits.