Bumblebees
Bumblebees
Seasonal Restriction Dates:
- N/A
Restriction Notes:
- N/A
Example of native Oklahoma bee species, the American Bumblebee.
Photo Credit: Phillip T. Crawford
Short Description from Oklahoma State University:
The Bumblebees (Bombus sp.) has three body regions (head, thorax and abdomen), two pairs of wings and six legs. Use color patterns across head, thorax and abdomen to identify bumble bees. Male and female bumble bees differ in their color patterns. Male bumble bees can be distinguished from females by the absence of a corbicula, having longer abdomens and inability to sting. Male bumble bees are not included in the key due to color variance and infrequent encountering. In addition, another large and regularly encountered bee that resembles a bumble bee, is a carpenter bee (Xylocopa spp.). Carpenter bees are included in the key because they are common in Oklahoma
Natural Habitat:
Energy & DOT groups across the US have partnered to conserve 12 native bumblebee species (several in Oklahoma).
