Bombus occidentalis, the Western Bumble Bee, has several color forms or patterns. Color forms refer the coloration of the bumble bee with respect to the location of the hairs on its body. Solid areas of colors often present as bands; sometimes they can also take the form of patches or spots. If two hair colors… Continue reading Western Bumble Bee
Tag: Yampa River Botanic Park
White-Shouldered Bumble Bee
The White-shouldered Bumble Bee (Bombus appositus), is common in the western states at higher elevations including the Sierra Nevada, Cascades and Rocky Mountain meadows and slopes. The species is less common in coastal areas. The female bees in these photos are feeding on Wild Bergamot. This species of bumble bee has a long tongue that… Continue reading White-Shouldered Bumble Bee
Two Form Bumble Bee
I spent some time in Steamboat Springs, Colorado last summer. I visited the Yampa River Botanic Park three times while I was there. The park is compact and features trees, shrubs and flowering perennials, both native and exotics from around the world. I went there because I thought there was a good chance that I… Continue reading Two Form Bumble Bee