description Bombus crotchii Overview
Bombus crotchii is a bumblebee endemic to California. This species, named after entomologist Charles Crotch, is notable for its restricted range and vulnerability. It’s currently considered endangered due to significant habitat reduction impacting its survival. Researchers studying Californian bee populations and conservationists working to protect threatened pollinators rely on information about Bombus crotchii.
insights Ranking position
Bombus crotchii ranks #91 of 404 in the Bee ranking, behind Bombus lucorum, ahead of Bombus ternarius.
help Bombus crotchii FAQ
Where does Crotch's bumblebee live?
Bombus crotchii occurs mainly in California, with records concentrated in the state's Mediterranean-climate regions. Its range extends into parts of adjacent Baja California and historically reached portions of Nevada.
Why is Bombus crotchii declining?
Major pressures include loss and fragmentation of open habitat, pesticides, drought, and climate change. Its dependence on suitable nesting areas and a season-long supply of flowers makes intensive land conversion particularly damaging.
How can Crotch's bumblebee be recognized?
It is generally a short-faced bumblebee with yellow coloration toward the front of the thorax and a largely black abdomen marked with reddish or orange coloration. Identification can be difficult because sex, wear, and similar western Bombus species alter the visible pattern.
Which flowers does Bombus crotchii visit?
Recorded plant associations include milkweeds, sages, lupines, and other native flowering plants. A useful habitat must provide overlapping bloom periods because a colony needs forage from the queen's spring emergence through production of new queens.
explore Explore More
Similar to Bombus crotchii
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
