# Pyrobombus The Pyrobombus is a colorful insect known for its bright patterns and buzzing sounds. It loves to fly around flowers, helping them grow by spreading pollen. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 2 - **Habitat:** Gardens ![Pyrobombus](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Bourdon_des_pr%C3%A9s_sur_un_ris_jaune.jpg&width=800) Photo: JackyM59, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bourdon_des_pr%C3%A9s_sur_un_ris_jaune.jpg) ## Appearance The Pyrobombus is a fuzzy bumblebee often recognized by its distinct coloration, typically featuring black and yellow stripes, but with striking orange or reddish bands on its abdomen. Its dense, soft hair covers its body, making it appear robust and round, unlike sleek wasps. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hymenoptera - **Family:** Apidae - **Genus:** Pyrobombus ## Interesting facts - A queen Pyrobombus starts her whole colony alone, raising her first workers all by herself! - Pyrobombus larvae are fed a nutritious mix of pollen and nectar by their worker bee sisters. - Some Pyrobombus species have extra-long tongues, helping them reach nectar deep inside flowers! - These fuzzy bees can shiver to warm up their flight muscles, even on chilly mornings! ## Special abilities - **Buzz Pollinator:** Pyrobombus can vibrate its flight muscles to release pollen (buzz pollination) that helps certain flowers make seeds. - **Fuzzy Warmth:** Pyrobombus has thick fur that helps them stay warm, allowing them to fly in cooler weather than many other insects. - **Pollen Basket Power:** Pyrobombus has special hairs on its back legs called corbiculae that help them carry large loads of pollen back to the nest. - **Colony Constructor:** Pyrobombus builds nests underground or on the surface, creating a home for their growing family of worker bees. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 20-45 mm - **Size:** 10-25 mm - **Lifespan:** 25-365 days - **Flight Speed:** 15-20 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 - **Colony Size:** 50-400 ## Diet & Feeding They sip sweet nectar for energy and gather protein-rich pollen to feed their colony. - **Primary Foods:** flower nectar, flower pollen, tree sap (rarely) - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Pollinates:** [Red Clover](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-clover) (*Trifolium pratense*) — Key pollinator for this important agricultural crop. - **Pollinates:** Blueberry (*Vaccinium corymbosum*) — Essential for fruit production of this popular berry. - **Eaten by:** [Great Grey Shrike](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-grey-shrike) (*Lanius excubitor*) — Birds sometimes prey on foraging bees. - **Parasitizes:** Bee Fly (*Bombylius major*) — Larvae of this fly can develop in bumblebee nests. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Be gentle and watch from a distance; they are busy working! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Pyrobombus? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Pyrobombus's wingspan? 20-45 mm ### How big is Pyrobombus? 10-25 mm ### How long does Pyrobombus live? 25-365 days ### How fast can Pyrobombus fly? 15-20 km/h ### What does Pyrobombus eat? They sip sweet nectar for energy and gather protein-rich pollen to feed their colony. ### Where is Pyrobombus usually found? Gardens ### How does Pyrobombus hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Tantalus Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/tantalus-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park - [Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/point-defiance-zoo-and-aquarium) — Washington, US · Zoo - [International Peace Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/international-peace-garden) — US · Botanical Garden [View all places to see Pyrobombus](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/pyrobombus) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Pyrobombus: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pyrobombus)