Western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis). (Photo: Xerces Society / Rich Hatfield)
Bumble bees are important pollinators of wild flowering plants and agricultural crops. They are able to fly in cooler temperatures and lower light levels than many other bees, making them excellent pollinators—especially at higher elevations and latitudes. They also perform a behavior called “buzz pollination,” in which the bee grabs the flower in her jaws and vibrates her wing muscles to dislodge pollen from the flower. Many plants, including a number of wildflowers and crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cranberries, benefit from buzz pollination.
Because they are essential pollinators, loss of bumble bees can have far ranging ecological consequences. Alarmingly, recent work by the Xerces Society in concert with IUCN Bumble Bee Specialist Group, indicates that some species have experienced rapid and dramatic declines more than others. In fact,more than one quarter (28%) of all North American bumble bees are facing some degree of extinction risk. While some species have received considerable conservation attention, other species such as the Suckley cuckoo bumble bee and the variable cuckoo bumble bee have been largely overlooked.
For information about our efforts to conserve the rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis), please see itsprofile pageandcheck out thisstory map.
Learn More
Learn about Bumble Bees
Learn about the life cycle, foraging, and pollination techniques that make bumble bees truly unique!
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Threats & Conservation Efforts
Bumble bees face many threats including habitat loss, disease, pesticide use, and climate change. Learn more about their needs and what we’re doing to help.
Species at Risk
View detailed profiles of bumble bee species compiled by the Xerces Society and partners.
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How You Can Help
From contributing tocommunity science projects to managing your landscape to protect and support pollinators, there are many ways to contribute to bumble bee conservation.
Bumble Bee Nesting & Overwintering
Discovering a bumble bee nest, or unearthing a queen bumble bee from hibernation is an exciting experience! This page provides details on overwintering queen bumble bees and bumble bee nests, including background biology.
More to Explore
Bumble Bee Watch
Everyone is invited to contribute to this important community science effort.
The IUCN SSC Bumble Bee Specialist Group
Assessingthe status of all bumblebee species and promoting bumble bee conservation around the globe.
Managing Habitat for Pollinators
Find resources to identify, protect, and manage habitat forpollinators.
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The Risks of Pesticides to Pollinators
Find alternative methods of pest control that also support healthy pollinator populations.
Bumble Bee Identification
Learn how to I.D. bumble bees and record observation data.
Pollinator Conservation Resource Center
Find region-specific resources to support pollinators in your landscape.
