Bombus fervidus

Bombus fervidus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Hymenoptera
Family:	Apidae
Genus:	Bombus
Subgenus:	(Thoracobombus)
Species:	B. fervidus
Binomial name
Bombus fervidus (Fabricius, 1798)

Bombus fervidus (common name Golden Northern Bumblebee) is a species of bumblebee native to North America.

Physical description

B. fervidus have a face and head which are mostly black, a black strip on their abdomen between the wings. The rest of the body is yellow. Their wings are dark and smoky colored. Male coloration differs slightly in that the abdomen contains slightly more yellow that fades into the thorax. All of these bees are covered with thick hair. Male bees grow up to 14mm long with a wingspan of 32mm. Female workers grow up to about 3/4 of an inch, while a queen may measure 1 inch with a wingspan of 4 cm.

Habitat

The Golden Northern bumble bee lives and nest in grassy, open areas which include forest clearings and along roadsides. Nests are found both above and below the ground, however the above ground is most common. A nesting site is usually at least 50 meters from an area where food is plentiful enough to feed the entire colony.

Predation

Although there are many would-be predators of B. fervidus, they have many different ways with which to protect themselves. If an intruder breeches the nest, bees will cover the entruder with honey. If a bee is slightly alarmed while in the nest, but can not yet fly, she will lift up her middle legs. If she gets even more upset, she will lie on her back and place her legs and feet in a position, implying that she is preparing herself for whatever may come next, and point her stinger in the air, her mandibles flaring. Mature adults will leave the nest to sting and bite the attacker. Remember, bumblebees do not lose their stingers, or their lives once they sting as honeybees do. Therefore, a bumblebee can sting an attacker many times in succession, giving the bee a better chance of survival. Members of this species have also been known to defecate on a threatening creature.

Lifespan

Most B. fervidus do not live more than just a few months because of the toll that their work takes on their bodies. They also cannot survive harsh winter weather. Only queen bees live longer, living approximately one year.

Ecosystem roles

B. fervidus positively benefits humans because this species pollinates many flowers, including major plant crops.

The only adverse quality B. fervidus has is that it stings humans whenever it feels threatened by them.

Conservation status

B. fervidus, like most bumblebees, is considered to be in decline and in need of conservation, but it is not listed as a threatened or endangered species at this time.