Bumblebee

Bombus

Content coming soon for this insect guide.

Insect Profile

Beneficial Rating

+5 Beneficial

Active Months

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

US Distribution

NortheastSoutheastMidwestSouthwestWestPacific Northwest

Habitat Preferences

gardensmeadowswoodlandswetlandsagricultural areasforest edges

Taxonomic Group

Bee

Order

Hymenoptera

Family

Apidae

Lifecycle

The bumblebee life cycle begins in the spring when a queen emerges from hibernation and establishes a new nest. She lays her first batch of eggs, which hatch into larvae within 4-6 days. These larvae are fed pollen and nectar and develop for approximately 2-3 weeks before pupating. After another two weeks, the first worker bees (females) emerge. The colony expands throughout the summer, with the workforce growing and taking over foraging duties. In late summer, the queen begins to produce new queens and males. These new queens and males leave the nest to mate. As autumn approaches, the original colony, including the old queen and workers, dies off. Only the newly mated queens survive by hibernating underground through the winter, ready to start the cycle anew the following spring. Most bumblebee species have one generation per year.

Overwintering Strategy

Newly mated queens hibernate during the winter, typically in small holes in the ground, under leaf litter, or in other sheltered locations.

Native Range

Northern Hemisphere, South America

Attracted By

clovercomfreyboragecatmintlavenderoreganorosemaryastersbee balmwhite flowers

Repelled By

eucalyptusmintpeppermintgarlicvinegarcucumber

Companion Planting

Planting a diverse range of flowering plants that bloom throughout the growing season will attract bumblebees and other valuable pollinators, which in turn will benefit the entire garden ecosystem. Good companion plants for attracting bumblebees include a mix of herbs, flowers, and vegetables.