Half-black Bumble Bee, Bombus vagans
Excerpted from Bumble Bees of Wisconsin
A common bumble bee found throughout Wisconsin. Queens and workers of this species are typically
a bit smaller than average.
Hair medium and a bit shaggy. Thorax yellow, with black circle/dot between wings. Abdominal color
standard across castes: the first two segments are entirely yellow, while the remaining four are black.
Queens and workers are generally a bit smaller than other common species. Males with similar color
patterns, but an obvious yellow beard on the middle of the face. Some male morphs have some to an
entirely yellow abdomen and thorax
Long lived colonies. Largest densities possible during July as all three castes are present. Look for
new queens in late July and early August.
Has a wide distribution in North America, its range extending from Ontario to Nova Scotia and southward to
Georgia.
Beardtongue
Milkweed
Aster
Buzz Pollination
Slo-Mo Footage of a Bumble Bee Dislodging Pollen
Look Inside a Bumblebee Nest
How to Build a Bumble Bee House
Development of Colony and Nest in the Bumblebee