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Red-belted Bumble Bee

Bombus rufocinctus

The Red-belted Bumble Bee is a fuzzy insect that loves to buzz around flowers. They are important helpers in nature because they pollinate plants, helping them grow and produce fruits.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Red-belted Bumble Bee has a medium-sized, fuzzy body covered in black and yellow bands. Its distinguishing feature is a prominent rusty red or orange band, typically found on the middle section of its abdomen, making it stand out.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyApidaeGenusBombus
Red-belted Bumble Bee
Photo: Michelle OrcuttCC BY 4.0 · iNaturalistView original ↗
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Red-belted Bumble Bee

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

5

Interesting facts

A queen Red-belted Bumble Bee can live for an entire year!

Bumble bees have special 'pollen baskets' on their back legs!

Each Red-belted Bumble Bee has a unique fur pattern, like a fingerprint!

These fuzzy bees often build their cozy nests hidden underground!

Special abilities

Ability

Warm-Up Wonder

Red-belted Bumble Bee can shiver its muscles to generate body heat, allowing it to forage for food even in cooler temperatures.

Ability

Nectar Seeker

Red-belted Bumble Bee has a medium-long tongue that helps it reach sweet nectar located deep inside a variety of tubular flowers.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
12-40 mm
Size
8-20 mm
Lifespan
20-365 days
Flight Speed
18 km/h
Leg Count
6
Colony Size
50-200

Diet & Feeding

They drink sugary nectar for energy and eat protein-rich pollen to grow strong.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Pollen
  • Clover flowers
  • Thistle flowers
  • Goldenrod flowers

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Pollinates

Red Clover

Trifolium pratense

Helps this agricultural plant reproduce and thrive.

Pollinates

Wild Bergamot

Monarda fistulosa

Visits these fragrant flowers for nectar and pollen.

Eaten by

Striped Skunk

Mephitis mephitis

Preys on bees, often digging up their underground nests.

Parasitizes

Thick-headed Fly

Physocephala texana

Lays eggs on bees; larvae develop inside and kill them.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Bumble bees are usually friendly, but it's best to stay calm and not swat at them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Red-belted Bumble Bee?

Compare the antennae, wings, waist, body hair and legs. Yellow and black stripes show up on bees, wasps and harmless mimics alike. Bee & Wasp Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

What is Red-belted Bumble Bee's wingspan?

12-40 mm

How big is Red-belted Bumble Bee?

8-20 mm

How long does Red-belted Bumble Bee live?

20-365 days

How fast can Red-belted Bumble Bee fly?

18 km/h

What does Red-belted Bumble Bee eat?

They drink sugary nectar for energy and eat protein-rich pollen to grow strong.

Where is Red-belted Bumble Bee usually found?

Grasslands

How does Red-belted Bumble Bee hunt?

Foraging

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Recent Snaps

Where to spot

Green Bay Botanical Garden place preview
Botanical Garden36 sightings50 species

Wisconsin, US

Green Bay Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden and Educational Programs

You might spot Common Eastern Bumble Bee, Monarch, and Bee.

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Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory place preview
Botanical Garden45 sightings50 species

Wisconsin, US

Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory

Botanical Garden and Conservatories

You might spot Common Eastern Bumble Bee, Red-Belted Bumble Bee, and Duck.

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Parc linéaire de la rivière Saint-Charles place preview
Park40 sightings50 species

Québec, CA

Parc linéaire de la rivière Saint-Charles

Hiking, Cycling, Wildlife Viewing, Birdwatching, Family Friendly, Cross Country Skiing, Nature Trails, Historical Sites, Urban Park, Snowshoeing, Canoeing, Cultural Experience

You might spot Common Eastern Bumble Bee and Asian Lady Beetle.

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Haight Village Historic District place preview
Historic District28 sightings12 species

Illinois, US

Haight Village Historic District

Architecture and Greek Revival

You might spot Common Eastern Bumble Bee and Brown-Belted Bumble Bee.

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McKinley Park place preview
Park61 sightings12 species

Wisconsin, US

McKinley Park

Waterfront, Lake Michigan, Walking, Biking, Birdwatching, Family Friendly, Wheelchair Accessible, Boating, Wildlife, Urban Oasis

You might spot Red-Belted Bumble Bee, Red-Breasted Merganser, and Duck.

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Underpass Park place preview
Park137 sightings10 species

Ontario, CA

Underpass Park

Urban Park, Public Art, Skatepark, Playground, Family Friendly, Weather Protected, Street Art, Community Hub, Wheelchair Accessible, Wildlife Friendly

You might spot Monarch and Brown-Belted Bumble Bee.

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