Common Eastern Bumble Bee on a Common Dandelion
Scientific Name: Bombus impatiens and Taraxacum officinale
Category: insect
Brief Description
A fuzzy black and yellow bee foraging on a bright yellow composite flower.
Characteristics
The bee has a yellow thorax with a central black spot and a largely black abdomen with one yellow segment at the base. The dandelion is a bright yellow flower head composed of many small ray florets, sitting atop a hollow green stem.
Habitat
Found in gardens, meadows, roadsides, and lawns.
When to Find It
Spring through early autumn; dandelions are often the first major nectar source in spring.
Conservation Status
Common / Least Concern
Ecological Role
The dandelion provides essential early-season nectar and pollen for pollinators like this bumble bee, which in turn facilitates the reproduction of various plants.
Easily Confused With
Honey bees (smaller, less fuzzy) or Carpenter bees (shiny, hairless abdomens). Dandelions are similar to Catsear or Hawkweed but distinguished by their hollow, leafless flower stalks.
Observation Tips
Move slowly to avoid startling the bee. High shutter speeds are needed to capture them in flight, but they are easy to photograph while grounded on flowers.
Interesting Facts
Bumble bees are 'buzz pollinators,' meaning they can vibrate their flight muscles to shake pollen loose from flowers that other bees cannot access.