What species of bumble bee is this? (in New York)

**Omie** · 06-01-2010, 02:53 PM

I took these photos in my garden this morning. I've never seen a bumblebee with this orange fur band before. Anyone know what species it is?

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9fPBEJTqGz...veronica+1.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9fPBEJTqGz...veronica+2.jpg

**brac** · 06-01-2010, 03:04 PM

I've seen a few of those around here, that's a great pic. I can't get one to hold still. Hopefully someone knows what it is.

**Oldbee** · 06-01-2010, 05:53 PM

Probably Tricolored Bumble bee, Bumbus ternarius >> http://bugguide.net/node/view/15062
And

>> http://bugguide.net/node/view/81833 Your photos are better.

.

**Omie** · 06-01-2010, 06:43 PM

Yes, that looks right! Thank you!

I've been seeing them on my veronica for days now, a couple at a time. Also smaller plainer bumblebees. I'm seeing way more bumblebees this year than I have for the past couple of years.

**ehallspqr** · 06-02-2010, 04:18 PM

We call them Redtail Bumbles. Great pictures by the way!

**concrete-bees** · 06-02-2010, 04:44 PM

ive had to remove a LOT of bumble bee nest and usually ill relocate into the woods somewhere else but the thing that ive have noticed is the size variation of adult bumble bees and color - within the same hive ????

just food for thought