Western Bumble Bee
Western bumblebee Bombus occidentalis on goldenrod in Wallowas_Rich Hatfield.JPG, Rich Hatfield/Xerces Society, Copyrighted, All Rights Reserved - Used by Permission, https://www.fws.gov/media/western-bumblebee-bombusoccidentalis-goldenrod-wallowasrich-hatfieldjpg
Can be rather variable in appearance. Frequently, the front part of the thorax is yellow with the back part and the start of the thorax being black. In one variant, several T2 and T3 are yellow with reddish orange hairs on T5. In another, most of the tergums are black, with sparse white hairs at the end of T4 and T5 all white. In another, the front of the thorax and behind the wings is yellow while the abdomen may have a combination of yellow and white hairs.
Status in North Dakota
Possible resident.
Range Map
Western Bumble Bee possible range (light gray). Very few state records.
Reason for SWAP Designation
SGCN (c).
At-risk, expert review or recent assessment.
Threats
Bumble Bees face a number of threats, likely all of which have played a role in population declines.
The introduction of pathogens from introduced commercial bumble bees, the loss of foraging and nesting habitat, and the widespread use of pesticides continue to negatively impact current populations.
Other threats include habitat degradation and fragmentation, naturals pests and diseases, and climate change.
Research and Monitoring
Statewide pollinator surveys have been completed by the USFWS HAPET team and NDSU.
Pollinator surveys should continue throughout the state to determine species range and abundance in ND.
Management Recommendations
- Develop pollinator habitat.
- Protect and manage high quality native prairie.
- Develop connectivity between quality habitats.
- Plant native nectar plants to improve habitat.
- Avoid broadcast spraying of pesticides and herbicides at known sites to minimize loss of adults and nectar sources.
Primary Geological Regions
Habitat Associations
Habitat Use
This species can be found in native and planted grasslands, forest edges, along roadsides, and even suburban and agricultural areas where floral resources are available.