Location: Calgary, AB
Date: July 17, 2004
Latin Name: Bombus spp.
Length: 15 - 25 mm
Range: Throughout Alberta
Habitat: Various
Time of year seen: Summer
Number of Species in Alberta: 35
Other: Bumblebees are common and easily identifiable insects. Typically they have black and yellow and/or orange banded markings. Their nests are located in the ground in old gopher holes and deserted mouse nests. The colonies are annual in nature with the queen over wintering to start a new colony in the spring. Inherent in their social nature, colonies have three different casts: queen, drones and workers. Bumblebees have an amenable nature and require significant provocation before they become angry and sting.