ExploreInsects

Half-black Bumble Bee

Bombus vagans

The Half-black Bumble Bee is a fuzzy little insect that helps flowers grow by spreading pollen. They are friendly and love to buzz around gardens, making them a joy to watch!

Habitat: Gardens

Appearance

The Half-black Bumble Bee is fuzzy and robust, featuring a black head and the front half of its thorax bright yellow. The rear half of its thorax is black, contrasting with a mostly yellow abdomen that ends in a black tip. Its wings are dark and translucent.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyApidaeGenusBombus
Half-black Bumble Bee
furry trait badgesocial trait badgeherbivorous trait badgepollinator_magnet trait badge
Half-black Bumble Bee

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Bumble bees have tiny 'baskets' on their legs to collect pollen and carry it home.

The queen bee is the only one who survives winter to start a new colony.

They can carry huge loads of pollen on their fuzzy back legs!

They use their long tongues like straws to sip sweet nectar from flowers.

Special abilities

Ability

Chilly Flight Warm-Up

Half-black Bumble Bee has a unique ability to shiver its muscles that helps them warm up and fly in cooler weather.

Ability

Flower Finder Memory

Half-black Bumble Bee can remember the best flower patches because it helps them forage more efficiently.

Ability

Defense Zap

Half-black Bumble Bee has a painful sting that helps them defend their nest and protect the colony from threats.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
25-35 mm
Size
8-18 mm
Lifespan
14-42 days
Flight Speed
15-20 km/h
Leg Count
6
Colony Size
50-200

Diet & Feeding

These fuzzy bees sip sugary nectar for energy and gather protein-rich pollen to feed their young.

Age differences: Larvae are fed pollen and nectar by worker bees, while adult bees forage for their own food.

Primary Foods

  • Flower Nectar
  • Flower Pollen
  • Honey (stored)
  • Royal Jelly (for larvae)

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Bumble bees are usually not aggressive, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Half-black Bumble Bee's wingspan?

25-35 mm

How big is Half-black Bumble Bee?

8-18 mm

How long does Half-black Bumble Bee live?

14-42 days

How fast can Half-black Bumble Bee fly?

15-20 km/h

What does Half-black Bumble Bee eat?

These fuzzy bees sip sugary nectar for energy and gather protein-rich pollen to feed their young.

Where is Half-black Bumble Bee usually found?

Gardens

How does Half-black Bumble Bee hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Half-black Bumble Bee have?

6

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Insects