Eastern Bumble Bee
(Bombus impatiens)
Quick ID
Medium-sized bee (workers about ½ inch, queens up to ¾ inch).
Black body with a bright yellow thorax and a single yellow band across the first segment of the abdomen.
Fuzzy all over, giving them that classic “bumble” look.
Females have pollen baskets (smooth shiny patch on hind legs), while males lack them.
Ecological Role
Eastern bumble bees are critical pollinators.
They perform “buzz pollination”—vibrating flowers to release pollen—something many other bees can’t do.
They pollinate wildflowers, fruits, and crops like tomatoes, blueberries, and peppers.
At-a-Glance
Size: ½–¾ inch
Colors: Black body with yellow thorax and one yellow abdominal band
Flight Season: Spring through fall
Diet: Nectar and pollen
Social? Yes—lives in colonies of 50–500 bees
Where to Find It
Range: Eastern U.S. and Canada.
Habitat: Meadows, gardens, parks, farms, and forest edges.
Nesting: Usually underground in abandoned rodent burrows or in sheltered spots like grass tussocks.
Look-Alikes
Common Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica): Larger, with a shiny, hairless abdomen (not fuzzy like a bumble bee).
Other Bumble Bees: Many species look similar; ID often depends on the exact color pattern of stripes and where you’re located.
Why It Matters
Without them, many of our favorite foods and flowering plants wouldn’t thrive. Eastern bumble bees are also one of the few native bee species that adapt well to human-dominated landscapes, keeping pollination services strong even as other bee populations struggle.
Safety
Generally gentle and non-aggressive. They will only sting if directly threatened or if their nest is disturbed. Unlike honey bees, they can sting multiple times.
Fun Fact
Eastern bumble bees are so efficient at pollination that farmers sometimes rent commercial colonies to help with greenhouse tomatoes and peppers! Also, they can regulate their body temperature by vibrating their flight muscles—allowing them to fly on chilly mornings when other pollinators are still asleep.
Dig Deeper
Curious for more? Read the blog.
Recommended Book References
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