Common Eastern Bumble Bee

Description:

This is the most often encountered bumble bee across much of eastern North America. It has unusually large colony sizes and for this reason may be at some competitive advantage. It has an unusually long flight season and thrives across a wide range of habitats and climates ranging from the cold temperate zone (e.g., Minnesota) to the warm subtropics (south Florida). Its occurrence in the Miami area was documented long ago by Graenicher, showing that this species can establish and perpetuate itself in warm and relatively aseasonal areas. It does not require cool temperatures to overwinter.

Habitat:

Eastern North America, from Ontario to Maine and south to south Florida

Notes:

Spotted near the overlook of Johns Mountain Wildlife Management Area