Bombus perplexus

Perplexing bumble bee

source: (c) Denis Doucet – some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

The perplexing bumble bee (Bombus perplexus), got its name because it is uncommon and easily confused with many common species. This species can be found all across Canada and the United States, and ranges in colour from fully yellow to black at the tip of the abdomen. It is notably more furry than other bumble bees, with tufts of fluff present on most of the bee. This elusive bee is active from May to August and nests underground in small colonies. its preferred flower sources are Campanula, Cirsium, Lonicera, Meliotus, and Penstemon. The length of perplexing bumble bees ranges from 12 – 14mm for workers & males, and 17 – 21mm for the queen.