Species:
Bombus fervidus
Common name:
Yellow bumble bee
Description
Not super common, this species is recognizable for being almost entirely yellow, except the last part of their abdomen. Look for them in open fields and meadows.
Physical Appearance
Body hair medium length and even. Thorax mostly yellow, with a band of black hairs between the base of wings. Occasionally, thorax is entirely yellow. First through forth abdominal segments fully yellow, with segments 5-6 black. Queens distinctly larger than workers. Males usually with yellow hairs on the face, forming a “beard” or “mustache” feature. Males also lack corbiculae, or the flattened midleg of the hind leg used for transporting pollen.
Color Morphs
Queens
Workers
Males
Activity Period
Relatively standard colony life cycle, but little is known about this species apart from historical records. Look for queens emerging slightly after B. impatiens in May.
Range
Historical records suggest that B. fervidus is found throughout Wisconsin, however more thorough surveys are required.
Conservation Status
This species may be in decline based on analysis of historical and museum records. However, little effort has been placed in finding contemporary populations of this species, so more work is needed for a more thorough assessment to be made.
Preferred flowers
Cirsium
(Thistles)
Trifolium
(Clovers)
Monarda
(Bee balm)
Can be confused with...
Bombus borealis
Bombus perplexus (male)
