Underground-nester
Guides
Bombus fraternus
Southern Plains bumblebee
Bombus fraternus, commonly called the Southern Plains bumblebee, is a large bumblebee species native to the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. It is classified in the subgenus Cullumanobombus and is currently listed as endangered, with estimated abundance below 15% of historical numbers. The species is distinguished by its mostly black coloration with yellow thoracic and abdominal bands and unusually flattened abdominal hairs.
Bombus impatiens
Common Eastern Bumble Bee, common eastern bumblebee
Bombus impatiens is a native North American bumble bee and the most commonly encountered bumblebee across much of eastern North America. The species exhibits high adaptability to diverse habitats including agricultural areas, suburbs, and urban environments, which has facilitated its widespread commercial use as a greenhouse pollinator. Colonies are founded annually by solitary queens and can exceed 450 individuals. The species has been introduced beyond its native range through commercial trade and serves as a key model organism for bumble bee research.
Bombus nevadensis
Nevada bumble bee, Nevada bumblebee
Bombus nevadensis, the Nevada bumble bee, is a North American bumble bee species distinguished by its long proboscis and distinctive coloration. Queens and workers have entirely black heads, while males display yellow on the face and top of the head. The species inhabits open habitats from Alaska to California and east to Wisconsin, with populations extending into Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. It nests underground and forages on a variety of flowering plants.
Vespula vidua
widow yellowjacket, long yellowjacket
Vespula vidua is a species of social wasp in the family Vespidae, commonly known as the widow yellowjacket or long yellowjacket. It is native to North America and exhibits typical yellowjacket biology with annual colonies founded by overwintering queens. Unlike some urban-adapted yellowjacket species, V. vidua is strictly predatory and does not scavenge at human food sources. The species is known to be a host for the facultative social parasite Vespula squamosa (Southern Yellowjacket), which can usurp its nests.