Bombus ternarius

Bombus ternarius, commonly known as the tri-colored bumblebee, is a species of bumblebee belonging to the family Apidae. This species is native to North America and is primarily found in the United States and Canada.

Description

Bombus ternarius is easily recognizable by its distinctive coloration. The bumblebee has a black head, a yellow thorax, and a black abdomen with a band of orange or red in the middle. The wings are transparent with a slight brownish tint. The size of Bombus ternarius can vary, with queens being the largest, followed by workers, and then males.

Habitat

Bombus ternarius typically inhabits areas with abundant flowering plants, such as meadows, gardens, and open woodlands. They are also found in urban areas where suitable floral resources are available. The species prefers cooler climates and is often found in northern regions.

Behavior

Bombus ternarius is a social insect, living in colonies that can contain up to several hundred individuals. The colony is established by a single queen who lays eggs and raises the first generation of workers. These workers then take over the foraging and care of subsequent generations. The colony lifecycle is annual, with new queens and males produced at the end of the season to mate and establish new colonies the following year.

Diet

The diet of Bombus ternarius consists primarily of nectar and pollen from a variety of flowering plants. They are important pollinators for many wildflowers and agricultural crops. The bumblebees use their long tongues to access nectar from deep flowers and collect pollen in specialized structures called pollen baskets on their hind legs.

Reproduction

Reproduction in Bombus ternarius follows the typical bumblebee lifecycle. In the spring, a mated queen emerges from hibernation and searches for a suitable nesting site. She then lays eggs that develop into workers. Towards the end of the summer, the colony produces new queens and males. After mating, the new queens find a place to hibernate, while the rest of the colony dies off.

Conservation

Like many bumblebee species, Bombus ternarius faces threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Conservation efforts focus on preserving and restoring habitats, reducing pesticide use, and promoting awareness of the importance of bumblebees in ecosystems.

See also

• Bumblebee
• Pollination
• Apidae
• Nectar
• Pollen