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California Bumble Bee

Bombus californicus

The California Bumble Bee is a fuzzy little insect that loves to buzz around flowers. They are important for helping plants grow by spreading pollen.

Habitat: Urban areas, Grasslands, Gardens

Appearance

The California Bumble Bee is a medium-sized, fuzzy insect, easily recognized by its mostly black body with a distinct bright yellow band on its thorax. Many also have an orange-red patch near the tip of their abdomen, setting them apart from other black and yellow bees.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyApidaeGenusBombus
California Bumble Bee
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California Bumble Bee

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Bumble bees can fly in cooler weather, thanks to their furry, insulated bodies!

Bumble bees visit thousands of flowers a day, making them super pollinators!

Queens can live for a whole year, laying hundreds of eggs to start new colonies!

They often sleep upside down, clinging to flowers overnight to stay safe.

Special abilities

Ability

Buzz Pollination

California Bumble Bees can vibrate their flight muscles to shake pollen loose from flowers that other bees can't access.

Ability

Internal Heater

California Bumble Bees can shiver their muscles to warm up, helping them forage for nectar even on chilly mornings.

Ability

Navigation Experts

California Bumble Bees have an amazing memory that helps them find the best flowers and their way back to the nest.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
25-40 mm
Size
12-22 mm
Lifespan
20-365 days
Flight Speed
20 km/h
Leg Count
6
Colony Size
400

Diet & Feeding

California Bumble Bees drink sugary nectar for energy and eat protein-rich pollen for growth.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Pollen
  • Wildflower nectar
  • Clover pollen
  • Sunflower nectar

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

pollinates

Canada Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

Provides vital nectar and pollen.

pollinates

California Buckwheat

Eriogonum fasciculatum

A key nectar source in California.

parasitizes

Cuckoo Bumble Bee

Bombus flavidus

Lays eggs in their nests.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Bumble bees are usually friendly, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is California Bumble Bee's wingspan?

25-40 mm

How big is California Bumble Bee?

12-22 mm

How long does California Bumble Bee live?

20-365 days

How fast can California Bumble Bee fly?

20 km/h

What does California Bumble Bee eat?

California Bumble Bees drink sugary nectar for energy and eat protein-rich pollen for growth.

Where is California Bumble Bee usually found?

Urban areas, Grasslands, Gardens

How does California Bumble Bee hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does California Bumble Bee have?

6

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