''Bombus californicus'', the California bumble bee, is a species of
bumble bee
A bumblebee (or bumble bee, bumble-bee, or humble-bee) is any of over 250 species in the genus ''Bombus'', part of Apidae, one of the bee families. This genus is the only Extant taxon, extant group in the tribe Bombini, though a few extinct r ...
in the family
Apidae
Apidae is the largest family within the superfamily Apoidea, containing at least 5700 species of bees. The family includes some of the most commonly seen bees, including bumblebees and honey bees, but also includes stingless bees (also used for ...
. ''Bombus californicus'' is in the subgenus ''Thoracobombus''.
It is found in Central America and the western half of North America.
[
''Bombus californicus'' is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
In a 2015 study, ''Bombus californicus'' was found to be endangered in 62% of surveyed areas.
''Bombus californicus'' can exhibit multiple possible color patterns of yellow and black, as in its sister species '']Bombus fervidus
''Bombus fervidus'', the golden northern bumble bee or yellow bumblebee, is a species of bumblebee native to North America. It has a yellow-colored abdomen and thorax. Its range includes the North American continent, excluding much of the souther ...
'', and in many areas of geographic overlap, at least a small percentage of individuals of the two species cannot be recognized except by genetic analysis, as each species can sometimes display the color pattern typical of the other.[ The "typical" color pattern of female ''californicus'' is black with only a single strong yellow band anteriorly on the thorax, and another single yellow band near the apex of the abdomen; males exhibit considerably more variation.][
''Bombus californicus'' nests in the ground,][ and in urban areas. Queens emerge from April through the middle of July.][Koch, Jonathan, et al.]
Bumble Bees of the Western United States
" Bumble Bees of the Western United States, U.S. Forest Service and Pollinator Partnership, 2012. Workers are present from April to September.[ Males (drones) are present late May through September.][ This type of bumblebee pollinates sage, blueberry bushes, red clover,][ and many other species of flowers.][Ascher, J., et al.]
Bombus Californicus
" ''Bombus californicus'' - -- Discover Life, The Polistes Corporation.
References
Further reading
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External links
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Bumblebees
Articles created by Qbugbot
Insects described in 1854
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