Bumblebees, belonging to the genus Bombus within the family Apidae, encompass over 500 known species worldwide. These fuzzy pollinators are distributed across every continent except Antarctica and Australia, with the highest concentration in temperate and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Below, we explore various bumblebee species through detailed descriptions and images.
1. Bombus Flavidus (Golden Bumblebee)
Key Features:
- Queen: 12 mm body length
- Workers: 9 mm body length
- Males: 9 mm body length
Distinguished by dark brown and grayish-white velvety fur on its head and face, this species primarily forages on Saussurea costus (a perennial plant in the Asteraceae family). It thrives in northeastern, northwestern, and southwestern China.
2. Bombus Pseudomoderatus (False Fierce Bumblebee)
Key Features:
- Queen: 27 mm body length
- Workers: 13.5 mm body length
- Males: 15 mm body length
Notable for its black and gray-white mixed facial hairs, this protected species inhabits China’s Qinghai, Sichuan, and Tibet regions. It has been officially listed as a “Three-Protected Animal” under Chinese conservation laws.
3. Bombus Rufipes (Red-tailed Bumblebee)
Key Features:
- Queen: 20 mm body length
- Workers: 14 mm body length
- Males: 15 mm body length
This striking species displays black hairs on its head, thorax, and first three abdominal segments, contrasted by vibrant orange-red hairs on abdominal segments 4-6. Found across northern, northeastern, and southwestern China.
4. Bombus Terrestris (European Bumblebee)
Key Features:
- Queen: 20 mm body length
- Workers: 15 mm body length
- Males: 15 mm body length
Recognizable by its black and tawny-yellow facial hairs and white-tipped abdomen, this species demonstrates remarkable navigation skills with a typical foraging range of 5 km and maximum homing distance of 13 km.
5. Bombus Atripes (Black-footed Bumblebee)
Key Features:
- Robust body with dense multicolored hairs
- Branched or feather-like hairs on head and thorax
This large pollinator favors plants like privet, thistles, and wild roses. Distributed across central, eastern, and southern China.
6. Bombus Tridens (Three-striped Bumblebee)
Key Features:
- Queen: 16-17 mm body length
- Workers: 12-13 mm body length
- Males: 14-16 mm body length
Resembling Chinese honeybees in appearance, this species forages on alpine rhododendrons and wild roses in central and southern China.
Ecological Significance
Bumblebees are polyphagous social insects organized into colonies consisting of queens, males, and female workers. They play crucial roles in:
- Pollinating wildflowers and agricultural crops
- Maintaining biodiversity in alpine ecosystems
- Supporting food production through “buzz pollination”
Conservation Status
With over 150 species in China alone, bumblebees face threats from habitat loss and pesticides. Notable species include:
- Bombus Hortorum (Garden Bumblebee)
- Bombus Pastor (Pastoral Bumblebee)
- Bombus Rufocinctus (Red-belted Bumblebee)
Conservation efforts focus on protecting natural habitats and regulating pesticide use to preserve these vital pollinators.