Variable Cuckoo Bumble Bee
Bombus variabilis
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Family: Apidae
- Subfamily: Apinae
- Tribe: Bombini
- Genus: Bombus
- Species: variabilis
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Bombus variabilis: /ˈbɔmbʊs væˈri.ə.bɪlɪs/
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Summary
Bombus variabilis is a critically endangered species of cuckoo bumblebee known for its parasitic behavior towards Bombus pensylvanicus. It has not been observed in the United States in at least 20 years and may be potentially extinct.
Physical Characteristics
Female: 17.5-19 mm, Male: 14.5-17 mm, features a dark face with yellow hair on the vertex and dark brown wings. Thorax has variations of black spots or patches. Females have black abdomens; males can vary in hair color patterns.
Identification Tips
Similar to Bombus insularis but has more extensive black hairs. Males of the southwestern population can be difficult to separate from other species.
Habitat
Occurs in various environments, depending on host availability.
Distribution
North America, including populations in Mexico and the southwestern United States (TX-FL-NH-ND, QC, Mex. to Honduras).
Diet
Both sexes regularly visit flowers for nectar.
Life Cycle
June to November, with earlier records found in Florida.
Reproduction
A social parasite that kills and replaces the queens of Bombus pensylvanicus, taking over their nests.
Conservation Status
Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) by Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Ecosystem Role
Parasitic species that relies on Bombus pensylvanicus and Bombus sonorus as hosts.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often confused with other bumblebee species due to similar appearances.
Tags
- bee
- cuckoo bumblebee
- critically endangered