Yellow-banded Bumble Bee
Bombus terricola
One of several bumble bee species visiting the ABNC Pollinator Garden. Larger and fuzzier than honeybees, bumble bees are native to North America and are critical pollinators of wild plants that honeybees simply cannot reach.
Field Note
Bumble bees can 'buzz pollinate' by vibrating their flight muscles at exactly the right frequency to shake pollen loose from certain flowers. Other bees can't do this — it's called sonication.
Where to Spot It at ABNC
The Pollinator Garden is the best spot from June through September. Also look on Balsamroot and Penstemons on the open grassland in spring.
Why It Matters
Native bumble bee populations have declined significantly across North America due to habitat loss, pesticides, and disease. Yellow-banded Bumble Bees are a species of special concern in Canada.
Good to Know
Bumble bees are the big, fluffy, slow-moving bees you see on flowers. They won't sting unless you grab them! Watch one closely — you can see yellow pollen packed into little baskets on their back legs.