Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Apidae

The Bumble Bee is thought to get its name because of its clumsy and large appearance, or because of the sound it makes when flying. There are more than 50 species found throughout the United States.

Description: The Bumble Bee ranges in size from 1/4-1 inch long. They have an overall fuzzy appearance and are black with yellow markings.

Biology: Bumble bees are social insects that live in colonies or nests. Bumble bee nests are moderate in size and generally built in a subterranean cavity or in a large grass clump. Developmental time from egg to adult is 16-25 days. The first brood of workers is small in size due to a lack of nutrition. However, as the colony grows, subsequent generations increase in size.

Habits: An over-wintering queen will choose a nesting site in the spring, and begin laying eggs. The bees use thermoregulation (a process of unhinging their wings and contracting muscles to produce body heat) to keep the nest temperature at approximately 86 degrees. Bumble bees fly at a rate of about 10 mph and spend only a few minutes inside the nest between trips of food foraging. They forage independently, and do not exchange food as do some social insects. Their stingers are smooth and can be used repeatedly. A Bumble Bee's venom can be very painful.