6 Stunning North American Bees l Our Breathing Planet

We hope that each of you, our readers, will enjoy and appreciate this article we present about these 6 Stunning North American Bees. It was certainly our pleasure to gather the information for you. May it provide you with both education and increased awareness.

Certainly, these few species listed herein represent only a portion of the similar species found in this region. It’s our belief, though, that they serve as excellent representations of the members of this Class. Check out some of our other articles for similar marvels.

Southern Plains Bumblebee

Southern Plains Bumblebee Facts

Leading off this article about 6 Stunning North American Bees we present the fascinating creature going by the title of the Southern Plains Bumblebee.
The somewhat lengthy term applied to it herein serves as the most frequently used conversational name for this invertebrate. For the moment, the intriguing insect has no other accepted general name. Though certainly not unknown, that’s uncommon.
Among scientists, however, it’s better known by its technical moniker. Unlike many such titles, however, that’s a compratively easy term for the layperson to pronounce. That’s because the delicate Arthropod bears the official title of Bombus fraternus.
The remarkable creature received that relatively simple name due to the efforts of the British entomologist, Frederick Smith. He recorded the first recognition of the creature as a separate and distinct species. That noteworthy event took place in 1854.
Regrettably, the population numbers of the beautiful Southern Plains Bumblebee appear to be dwindling rapidly. That sad situation also seems to hold true throughout the entirety of its range. Accordingly, the IUCN currently lists it as Endangered.
The wonder of Nature faces multiple threats to its existence as a species. Most of these stem either directly or indirectly from the actions of humans. They include the perils of habitat degradation or loss. It also faces the danger of climate change.

Southern Plains Bumblebee, Bombus fraternus — Source: https://bit.ly/44WAfGH Public Domain Image

Southern Plains Bumblebee Physical Description

The fascinating Southern Plains Bumblebee is a remarkable Arthropod, and stands out for a variety of reasons. That’s due partly to its distinctive appearance. Yet, it also separates itself from its kindred physically, as well. That’s because it’s a comparatively large species.

Like most bees, the insect also displays a somewhat moderate degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. Again following the pattern common to its kind, this trait manifests itself in terms of sheer body size. Like its relatives, the queen grows larger.

These typically attain an average body length that ranges from 0.97 – 1.07 in (2.5 – 2.7 cm). Males of the invertebrate, however, grow to a range of 0.85 – 1 in (2.2 – 2.5 cm) long. Drones, though, remain smaller. These individuals usually reach 0.56 – 0.75 in (1.5 – 1.9 cm) long.

In overall appearance, the insect presents a primarily black background. Yellow bands accentuate this, however. Those extend laterally across the thorax and abdomen. This is yet another visual distinction from other varieties of bumblebees, along with its size.

In coloring, the queens of the Southern Plains Bumblebee also display a small difference from males. She commonly possesses a relatively dense covering of fine hairs. These present both yellow and black shades. Those on the face and thorax typically show black.

Males of the species, meanwhile, show other minor differences than the females. Their eyes develop as signficantly larger, even in proportion to body size. They further manifest much longer antennae than the queens. These also often have more yellow between the wings.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Apidae
Genus: Bombus
Species: B. fraternus

Southern Plains Bumblebee Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The intriguing Southern Plains Bumblebee developed as endemic to a moderate range of the globe. The nature of that zone of habitation probably won’t surprise many people, though. That’s true since the very name of the insect provides a clue to a part of that range.

This wonder of nature evolved as native to a specific portion of North America. That’s part of the country of the United States. There, as the name implies, it primarily appears in the central and southern part of the nation. But, it’s also common in the southeastern areas.

It evolved very specific preferences regarding its choice of habitat. Given its name, it’s obvious that the open plains regions comprise its favorite place to reside. Yet the insect also appears in a few other regions. These areas include various grasslands and meadows.

It does, however, display flexibility in this regard when ncecessary. Due to this, in parts of its territory the insect lives in other types of environment. Thus, the populations in these zones sometimes make their homes in urbanized sections with sufficient available flora.

Much like most of its kindred, the Southern Plains Bumblebee typically lives in small colonies. Queens construct their nest underground. They do not dig their own, as a general priniciple, though. Instead, they are opportunistic, making use of readily available locations.

The intrepid Arthropod feeds on a wide variety of flora. These naturally vary across its native range. In fact, it’s known to seek its food from at least 20 different Families of flowering plants. This includes such plant species as bush clover and blanket flower, among others.

Blue Orchard Bee

Blue Orchard Bee Facts

Next up in this compilation of 6 Stunning North American Bees comes the distinctive work of Nature named the Blue Orchard Bee.
This small yet still intriguing invertebrate is most frequently referred to by the descriptive common name across its range. The Arthropod does have another, quite similar general name, though. That’s the slightly longer term of the Orchard Mason Bee.
Within the scientific community, however, it’s typically referred to by its technical moniker. Fortunately for the layperson, that’s a much simpler name to pronounce than many of its relatives hold. That’s because it bears the official name of Osmia lignaria.
It received that appellation due to the efforts of the respected American entomologist, Thomas Say. The researcher accomplished the first formal recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. That scientifically noteworthy deed occurred in the 1837.
It’s of great interest in certain circles, due to its proficiency at pollinating certain crops. Long term geographical separation of its population eventually led to its division into two separate subspecies. One appears in the east, while the other lives in the west.
In all parts of its range, however, the Blue Orchard Bee continues to maintain a sizeable and sufficient population base. That sets it apart from many of its less fortunate relatives. Due to this situation, the IUCN currently has no listing for it on the Red List.
Nevertheless, this marvel of Nature must be considered to be facing several potential threats to its existence as a species. Most of these stem from the actions of humans. They include the perils posed by habitat loss, and of course, ongoing climate change.

Blue Orchard Bee, Osmia lignaria — Source: https://bit.ly/3VJiJBu Photo: Robert Engelhardt
CCL: https://bit.ly/3M8Vrl9

Blue Orchard Bee Physical Description

The lovely Blue Orchard Bee certainly merits the attention applied to it. It’s a true masterpiece of evolution.The majority of its physical appeal, however, stems from its appearance, not size. That’s because, regardless of other attributes, it’s quite small.

Regarding its physical attributes, though, it follows a pattern common to related species. That’s in the fact that it displays a certain degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its case, this trait manifests in terms of body size and body structure.

Females of this insect attain a larger average length than their male counterparts. These reach an average length measuring roughly 0.55 in (1.4 cm). The body shape of the female also differs from the male, though only slightly. Females are a little stockier in build.

Males of the invertebrate, though only reach a total length averaging approximately 0.43 in (1.1 cm). As indicated above, their overall structure remains somewhat slimmer than females. He also has longer antennae, since these have 13 segments, while the female has 12.

The genders of the Blue Orchard Bee also vary a small degree in general appearance. Females of this natural wonder present a primarily iridescent bluish-gray that sometimes seems almost black. Her body further possesses a relatively dense covering of small hairs.

The male, meanwhile, follows the same overall pattern, with some minor yet notable differences. He typically develops a tuft of lighter colored hair on his head. Although he displays the same covering of fine hairs on his body, that’s less dense on the upper side.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Megachilidae
Genus: Osmia
Species: O/ lignaria

Blue Orchard Bee Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Thankfully, the amazing Blue Orchard Be evolved as native to a comparatively wide expanse of the globe. The full extent of that range might surprise some readers, though. That’s true since this intriguing insect developed as endemic to a large part of North America.

To the north, the intrepid invertebrate appears in all but the most northerly part of Canada. Further south, it makes its home in all but the most southerly parts of the United States. It’s absent from Florida, and the southeast Gulf Coast. It’s not presently known in Mexico.

In all regions in which it appears, the Arthropod displays strong preferences in its choice of habitat. The creature lives almost exlusively in regions of temperate forests. Further specifying its tastes, these areas of habitation consist primarily of various deciduous species.

For undetermined reasons, even within this area, the fascinating creature shows a strong favoritism for the edges of the forest. Such an environment provides it with its various needs. Those include suitable locations for both its nesting and appropriate food sources.

Unlike carpenter bees, the Blue Orchard Bee is unable to drill holes in wood for a nest. Instead, it seeks out such sites as reeds and natural holes in trees, even wooden structures. Though mostly solitary in nature, females do occasionally build nests near each other.

They’re principally active in early spring and summer periods. Though they feed on the nectar and pollen of numerous species, they do appear especially fond of pear, apple, and cherry trees. Males typically hatch first, and the first thing females do upon hatching is mate.

Gloden Northern Bumblebee

Golden Northern Bumblebee Facts

Next up in this gathering of 6 Stunning North American Bees is the dazzling work of art bearing the designation of Golden Northern Bumblebee.
The descriptive, and obviously appropriate, term used here serves as the common name for a particularly beautiful variety of bumblebee. This highly fascinating small invertebrate also bears the distinctive scientific name of the Bombus fervidus.
By either name, though, the creature remains an impressive species. Fascinatingly, within its native range, it remains an important pollinator. The natural wonder also represents on of the very first in its zone of habitation to be scientifically identified.
This occurred through the efforts of the well-known Danish zoologist Johan Christian Fabricius, in 1798. The marvelous insect also displays some quite fascinating behavioral patterns. This even includes a communication system based on dancing.
This incredible product of evolution also developed a highly specialized nest defense strategies for different categories of intruders. When intrusions into the nest occur, it covers the intruder with honey to hamper its movement.
Like many species of bees, the population of the Golden Northern Honeybee appears to be declining rapidly. The IUCN currently lists it as Vulnerable, as a result. This listing appears on the organization’s Red List of Threatened Species.
This highly lamentable decline appears to be occurring due to a variety of factors. While these include habitat loss, it’s also threatened by the ongoing and escalating effects of climate change, much like many other species around the world.

Golden Northern Bumblebee, Bombus fervidus — Source: https://bit.ly/34lWMO0 Photo: Elizabeth Sellers
CCL: https://bit.ly/2RporID

Golden Northern Bumblebee Physical Description

The wonder of the Golden Northern Bumblebee does not extend to size. In fact, it constitutes a small variety of bumblebee. Sexual dimorphism plays a factor as well. Female workers reach 0.75 in (1.9 cm) in length, while male drones only average 0.5 in (1.3 cm).

This small but truly beautiful example of its kind also displays the sex-based characteristic in another way. The wingspan also appears to be gender-related in this particular arthropod. That particular manifestation of the principle sets it apart from others.

Firstly, a female’s wings most commonly measure approximately 1.6 in (40 mm) in overall span. Secondly, however, that of the males only averages a measurement of 0.86 in (22 cm). This represents a quite significant difference for a species of its size.

It’s also well known for its dazzling appearance, which never fails to please the eye. Its coloring appears as a combination of black and golden yellow. In yet another gender-based difference, though, the male typically displays more yellow than the female.

In other respects, individuals of both genders appear remarkably similar. The body of both grows covered with numerous short, but thick, hairs. The amazing Golden Northern Bumblebee also distinguishes itself from the smaller honeybee in an important way.

You see, unlike the tinier honeybee, this remarkable species does not die after inflicting a sting. In point of fact, the impressive invertebrate remains capable of repeatedly attacking an opponent with its stinger. This rarely forms a danger to humans, however.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenopterta
Family: Apidae
Genus: Bombus
Species: B. fervidus

Golden Northern Bumblebee Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The serenely beautiful Golden Northern Bumblebee developed as endemic to only a specific section of the globe, like many bees. More specifically, however, that region consists of somewhat limited and restricted portions of the continent of North America.

To be even more precise, its populations primarily concentrate in scattered portions of that continent. The fascinating arthropod most commonly appears in the northeast portion of the United States, where it distinguishes itself from competing species.

The marvelous arthropod does exhibit very restrictive habitat preferences, regrettably. This insect generally prefers to construct its nest in either tall grasslands or temperate savannas. Yet it also often adapts to inhabit farms and even cities with sufficient greenery.

The nests of this particular bee occur either underground or above, and commonly consist of a loose mass of grass held together with avian feces. Further, adult specimens of the Golden Northern Bumblebee feed entirely on the nectar of flowering plants.

In contrast, the young of the species are fed pollen collected by the workers. Nest populations also generally remain quite small. Amazingly, that number rarely exceeds sixty adults and pupae. Lifespans range from 34 days for workers to 12 months for the queen.

Perdita minima

Perdita minima Facts

Our next choice for inclusion in this listing of these 6 Stunning North American Bees is the mind-boggling creature named the Perdita minima.
This truly incredible product of natural evolution ranks as one of the most fascinating species of bee on the planet. That’s understandable, given the fact that individuals of the arthropod remain so tiny that most people don’t even know the species exists.
In point of fact, entomologists know this insect as the smallest species of bee currently known to man. To give a comparison that allows one to put this into perspective, its entire body could easily fit on the head of an average-sized bee.
Scientists know that it has a moderately restricted habitat range. Yet we know virtually nothing about its numbers. Not surprisingly, its tiny size literally makes it difficult for experts to find individuals to determine accurate information.
Due to this lack of sufficient information, the IUCN currently has no status listing for it on the organization’s Red List. Nevertheless, while we know almost nothing about its numbers, many suspect that its existence might be threatened.
This belief springs from a combination of factors relating to its habitat and environment. The area the Perdita minima inhabits remains especially vulnerable to climate change. Human expansion also threatens to further reduce its natural range.

Perdita Minima Physical Description

Much as all members of its genus, the Perdita Minima, as the name implies, has a very small body. Yet even among its own genus, this truly astonishing insect ranks as incredibly tiny. Adults of this species average slightly less than 0.08 in (2 mm) in total body length.

Its natural coloring typically presents viewers with dazzling hues, at least when they do actually manage to spot it. This color pattern primarily consists of shades of bright yellow. However, some individuals also display streaks of gold or even white.

While it does technically have a stinger, it remains incapable of piercing the skin of a human, however. The wings of the Perdita minima also merit attention. That holds true because these actually qualify as powerful and large, at least relative to the body size.

These comparatively strong wings also allow it to often carry comparatively large quantities of pollen. In another marvel of evolutionary development, numerous relatively large hairs cover the tiny legs of this small but surprisingly impressive insect.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Andrenidae
Genus: Perdita
Species: P. minima

Perdita Minima Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Its tiny size does not solely hold responsibility for the fact that few people even know the Perdita Minima exists. That’s also due to the nature of the region it inhabits. In point of fact, the naturally evolved native habitat range it has may surprise many.

This zone of habitation consists primarily of the thinly populated sections of the southwestern United States, in North America. Further amazing the learner, the great majority of individuals choose to live in the numerous desert regions of the area.

To the surprise of many who learn of its existence, this variety of bee does not live in colonies like many do. Instead, individuals live solitary lives and build nests in soil that remains sandy and loose. While the body stays tiny, its effect on the environment does not.

That holds true because it pollinates vast quantities of plants and wildflowers native to the region, including some endangered species. Not surprisingly, the adults and larvae alike feed primarily on the pollen and nectar of these same wildflowers.

Much like other members of its genus, the Perdita minima appears to be highly selective. That’s due to its tendency to feed entirely on a single species of flora. Thus, any environmental factor that threatens its food source also naturally threatens the insect itself.

Franklin’s Bumblebee

Franklin’s Bumblebee Facts

Appearing now in this compendium of othese 6 Stunning North American Bees we present the remarkable species known as the Franklin’s Bumblebee.
This diminutive marvel of Nature and evolution most frequently goes by the simple common name we’re using here. For the moment, the remarkable insect has no other accepted general name. Though certainly not unknown, that’s uncommon.
Among scientific professionals, however, it’s much better known by its technical title. Fortunately for the layperson, that’s a much simpler to pronounce term than many such monikers. That’s because it bears the simple official title of the Bombus franklini.
The beautiful invertebrate received that formal title due to the efforts of the American entomologist, Theodore H. Frison. The respected scientist accomplished the first recognition of the creature as a separate and distinct species. He managed that in 1921.
Despite its simple appearance, this marvelous Arthropod stands out from its relatives in several ways. One of those is an unfortunate one, though. That holds true due to the fact that it inhabits one of the smallest ranges of any of known bumblebee variety.
Sadly, this severely limits the possibilities for the delicate Franklin’s Bumblebee. Its numbers began dwindling rapidly in recent years. Between 1998 and 2005, sightings plummeted. No confirmed individual of this species has been seen since 2006.
It’s entirely possible, though not certain, that it’s now extinct. For the moment, the IUCN lists it as Critically Endangered. Even if a few do still survive, they face threats to their existence. These include such perils as habitat loss and climate change.

Franklin’s Bumblebee Physical Description

The Franklin’s Bumblebee always impressed those fortunate enough to encounter one, and recognize it. It did so due to the differences in its appearance that distinguish it from other bumblebees, however. It did not do so, though, due to sheer physical size.

That’s due to the fact that, like its many relatives, it’s a small variety of invertebrate. It also, like them, displays a certain degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its specific case, though, this trait manifests in terms other than measurements.

Males of this intriguing Arthropod develop one more abdominal segment than their female counterparts. Females, meanwhile, display a slightly different patter of coloring than the males. The overall difference in appearance is minor to the untrained observer, though.

Both genders of the Franklin’s Bumblebee display a solid black abdomen. That separates them from all other known bumblebees. Both sexes addtionally manifest yellow hair on the anterior portion of the thorax. Uniquely, this also develops in a U-shaped pattern.

The head and face of both genders of the insect present a predominantly black background. They do, however, display a very small yellow patch at the top of the head. At the tip of the abdomen in both genders, an equally tiny white patch also typically appears.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Apidae
Genus: Bombus
Species: B. franklini

Franklin’s Bumblebee Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The visually distinctive wonder that’s the Franklin’s Bumblebee evolved as native to a region of the world well known for its natural marvels. Unfortunately, however, its portion of that area seems to be extremely limited. It lives in only a tiny part of what’s now North America.

The insect lives in only a small range of the United States. More precisely, its only known range consists of portions of Oregon and California. Even there, though, the insect is just known to exist in a region that measures roughly 190 mi by 70 mi (310 km by 110 km).

For the moment, it remains undetermined if it ever appeared anywhere else in the world. Within that tiny range, though, it does, at least, display an adaptability to different habitat types. The boradly evolved wonder simply requires the presence of sufficient flowering flora.

The intrepid invertebrate also makes its home at a comparatively wide range of altitudes. In the more northern section of its tiny range, it’s been seen at altitudes as low as 540 ft (162 m) above sea level. Further south, however, it’s been spotted at 7,800 ft (2,340 m).

Much like similar species, the Franklin’s Bumblebee lives as a eusocial creature. It lives in colonies consisting of a queen and her offspring, both males and sterile female workers. Its exact nesting strategy remains unknown, but it’s believed to prefer abandoned burrows.

The workers, rarely exceeding 400, acquire food from a variety of flowering plants. Nectar serves as the primary food source of mature adults. The young, however, require a higher nutritional content. For them, workers gather pollen from the same local plant sources.

Orange-belted Bumbleee

Orange-belted Bumblebee Facts

Closing out this article about 6 Stunning North American Bees we give you the mesmerizing marvel understandably named the Orange-belted Bumblebee.
This vibrant creation of Nature and evolution most frequently goes by the appropriate common name throughout its native territory. Yet, it does have at least one other widely accepted general title. That’s the term of tricolored bumblebee.
Inside of the scientific community, however, it’s perhaps better known by its technical appellation. Fortunately for the layperson, though, that’s a comparatively simple tag, as such things go. That’s because it holds the official epithet Bombus ternarius.
The marvelous Arthropod received that moniker due to the efforts of Thomas Say. The widely respected American entomologist accomplished the first recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. He managed that noteworthy feat in 1837.
Pleasantly, the amazing Orange-belted Bumblebee seems to still possess a stable and sufficient population base. That fortunate situation also appears to hold true throughout the entirety of its range. The IUCN thus currently lists it as Least Concern.
The insect nevertheless faces the same potential threats to its continued existence as all species on earth now do. Most of those dangers stem from the actions of mankind. They include such perils as habitat loss and the ongoing effects of climate change.

Orange-belted Bumblebee, Bombus ternarius — Source: https://tinyurl.com/mrwvxmcn Photo: Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail CCL: https://tinyurl.com/2s4apsss

Orange-belted Bumblebee Physical Description

The remarkable Orange-belted Bumblebee typically draws much appreciation from those who appreciate Nature. As a general principle, however, the invertebrate does not do so due to its size. That’s true since the creature ranks as a fairly small member of its Genus.

Like related species, this animal displays a certain degree of the physiological characteristic known as sexual dimorphism. In keeping with the pattern prevalent among members of its Family, though, the species manifests this trait in a different way than others.

It’s still true that the two genders display varying characteristics. But, an Apidae, it also possesses what might be considered a sub-class, as well, depending on perspective. The different groups display a range of physical characteristics that serve to distinguish them.

The queen, of course, is female. She ranges in average length from 0.67 – 0.75 in (1.7 – 1.9 cm). Her body width attains a mean measurement of 0.33 – 0.35 in (0.85 -0.9 cm). Given these dimensions, it’s apparent that she developed as slimmer than most of her relatives.

Males, though, known as drones, achieve much smaller measurements. The shorter bodies reach an average length equaling approximately 0.37 – 0.51 in (0.95 – 1.3 cm). In terms of width, at the abdomen this sex manages a mean of between 0.18 – 0.22 in (0.45 – 0.55 cm).

Then, the species has a worker class. Though technically female, they differ from the queen in tht they’re sterile. They’re also smaller than either the queen or the drones. Each only measures about 0.31 – 0.51 in (0.8 – 1.3 cm) in length. In breadth, they’re the same as males.

Differences also manifest in appearance among the groups of the Orange-belted Bumblebee. Queens and worker show a black head, with light yellow hairs. These also present bands of yellow, orange, and black on the bodies. It serves as the source of the common name.

The drones, however, show a different pattern of coloring. Its head develops as yellow in color, with a few black hairs. The pattern of hues on the body is similar, but not identical to, that of the others. This group also develops much longer fur than that of the others.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Apidae
Genus: Bombus
Species: B. ternarius

Orange-belted Bumblebee Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The Orange-belted Bumblebee evolved as native to a relatively large expanse of the surface of the earth. The exact location of that zone of habitation rarely comes as a surprise to those who learn of it, however. That’s true since it developed as endemic to North America.

Within that greater area of habitation, though, it only appears in parts of the overall range. To the north, it inhabits much of the country of Canada. The southern section of its habitation range includes much of the northern and northeastern parts of the United States.

Just like most of its many relations, the intriguing Arthropod evolved fairly clear preferences regarding its choice of habitat. It strongly prefers the more temperate conditions found in the northern extent of its territory. On occasion, though, some do venture further south.

Yet, it does show some flexibilty pertaining to what types of local ecosystems it lives in. The amazing insect prefers to make its nests in undisturbed areas, such as forests, fields, and meadows. It’s not unknown, however, for these to appear in parks or even private yards.

The Orange-belted Bumblebee developed as a species with only a single lifecycle per season. Queens generally emerge from hibernation in late April. She constructs her nest in shallow cavities on the ground, an dlays her eggs. Colonies rarely exceed 200 individuals.

The lovely invertebrate follows the same pattern as its kindred regarding its diet. This consists solely of the nectar and pollen of various locally available plants. It does show a preference, though. Favorite sources include goldenrod, milkweed, and many berries.