Brown-belted Bumble Bee - queen

Description:

Fertilized Brown-belted queens emerge in the spring, usually later than the Common Eastern bumble bee. Bumble bees are the only social bees that are native to the U.S. and are very efficient pollinators but have been declining due to the spread of diseases from commercially produced bees that are transported throughout the country. Planting native pollinating plants in our landscapes will help greatly to restore the habitats these bees need to thrive!

Habitat:

Eastern North America south to Florida, some western states. A variety of habitats near flowering plants.