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Bumblebee ID Basics
When collecting nectar or pollen from flowers, bumblebees can easily be observed and their color patterns examined at a safe distance. If undisturbed, bumblebees are relatively tolerant of humans. Identification of bumblebee species can be a little tricky, however. Within a species, color patterns can vary. In addition, male bumblebees often have color patterns that differ from those of queens and the female workers. Don't let that intimidate you. In Arkansas, we only have seven "true" bumblebee species. That is not too large of a number to learn. With some patience and study, you should be able to distinguish the different species.
Major parts of the bumblebee body
Identification of bumblebees first requires a working knowledge of insect anatomy. Like all insects, the bodies of bumblebees are divided into three distinct sections, head, thorax, and abdomen. A bumblebees abdomen is, in turn, divided into six segments. When identifying bumblebees, the most important areas to pay attention to are the thorax and abdomen. In all Arkansas bumblebees, both the thorax and abdomen will be covered by varying amounts of black and yellow hairs. If black and yellow hairs are absent from either section, then it is not a bumblebee.
The key to identifying bumblebees will be patience and practice. Before diving into a survey, spend time just watching bumblebees. Practice identifying the bumblebees you come across. The survey period will not end until the first of July, so take your time and get comfortable with bumblebee identification.
Mistaken Identity
Carpenter bee (Lynette Schimming)
During this period of observation, you will probably come across an insect that is often mistaken for a bumblebee, the carpenter bee (Xylocopa virginiana). This large bee, with yellow hairs on its thorax, looks very similar to a bumblebee with one exception. Carpenter bees have shiny, black abdomens with very few hairs. All bumblebees have furry abdomens with contrasting patterns of black and yellow.
Carpenter bees can commonly be found around homes with exposed wood (eaves, decks). The female carpenter bee chews tunnels into softwoods such as pine and cedar to construct cavities for egg-laying. Their handywork often results in nickle-sized holes in your woodwork. Male carpenter bees often hang out near the nesting sites of females and dart out at passing objects. While alarming to some people, male carpenter bees are actually harmless as only females are capable of stinging. The same holds true for all bees and wasps.
Identification Tools
The materials we have created to aid in bumblebee identification all pertain to female bumblebees (both queens and workers) as they all generally share the same color pattern. Males are another issue entirely. The color patterns of males can be quite different from those of females and might make the task of identifying an individual to species more difficult. As male bumblebees do not appear until mid to late summer, surveys should only be conducted during spring and early summer to avoid any possible confusion between the sexes.
Quick Guide to Arkansas Bumblebees: This downloadable document depicts workers of the seven bumblebee species found in Arkansas. By familiarizing yourself with these images, and noting differences in color patterns among species, you should be able to identify the bumblebees you come across.
Arkansas Bumblebee Gallery: Images of the seven bumblebee species found in Arkansas.
Additional Internet Resources
Discover Life - Bombus Guide: This Discover Life IDnature guide is interactive and can aid in bumblbee identifications.
Field Guides:
Griffin, Brian L. 1997. Humblebee Bumblebee. Knox Cellars Publishing, Bellingham, Washington.
Kearns, Carol A. and James D. Thomson. 2001. The Natural History of Bumblebees: A Sourcebook of Investigations. University Press of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado.
Disclaimer: Bumblebees are capable of delivering a venomous sting. Caution should be exercised in the presence of any stinging insect. Participation in the survey is voluntary. The Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission assumes no responsibility or liability for any injuries sustained by individuals participating in this survey.
