Tag: Common Eastern Bumble Bee (Bombus impatiens)

Looking Like a Teddy Bear Of A Bee

August 24, 2026

Gathering nectar and pollen from a Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida), a cute, not so little bee, the Common Eastern Bumble Bee (Bombus impatiens). Female worker bees are about 1/4 to 3/4 of an inch, and male bees are about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch. While the queens are larger at 3/4 to 1 inch.

This bee and the Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica) have a similar appearance, however the Carpenter Bee is a bit larger, measuring in at between 3/4 to 1 inch in length. And the Carpenter Bee has a shiny, smooth, black abdomen with no fuzziness.

_______________________

If you would like to receive my daily blog posts by email, sign up here!

 

 

A Gentle Bee

July 1, 2025

A Common Eastern Bumble Bee (Bombus impatiens). A bee that is considered friendly and gentle. Unless they have the feeling of being threatened, or if they feel their nest is being attacked, they are not aggressive. Yes, they’re able to sting, but it is generally only done in self-defense.

This Bumble Bee is enjoying the nectar and the pollen that this Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida) provides. They use the nectar for energy and the pollen is a source of protein and nourishment for themselves and for their growing larvae.

_______________________

If you would like to receive my daily blog posts by email, sign up here!