"Bombus" - Bombus rufocinctus

not rufocinctus

Does not match any of the rufocinctus patterns

Check this out:
http://academic.evergreen.edu/projects/ants/TESCBiota/kingdom/animalia/phylum/arthropoda/class/insecta/order/hymenoptera/family/apidae/bombus/probably.htm

I would love to know what it is, because it occurs here!

… Andrew Reding, 5 May, 2008 - 12:31pm

"Does not match any of the rufocinctus patterns"

Those patterns are for females only. This is a male (note the enlarged eyes).

This species is very variable in color.

It is true that lack of an interalar black band is atypical for rufocinctus but is consistent with B. griseocollis. However the hair pattern of T2 does not appear correct for griseocollis as far as I can tell.

"I would love to know what it is, because it occurs here!"

Your supposed conspecific bee is an Anthophorini (different tribe!)

… John S. Ascher, 28 May, 2008 - 5:39pm

John, appreciate

your attention to detail. Have not seen a single "Bombus" this year. Not even the big founder females that would sometimes show up in the basement, hint- don't bump them when only wearing socks, big time hopping on one foot concentrated pain. Might have a neighbor in the pesticide happy mode.

… Kerry S. Matz, 28 May, 2008 - 7:48pm

Not sure...

why it was placed in rufocinctus, could be the male version, there is an orange abdom segment (although faded) in the right place for female workers. Also, females were present, other usual species were very rare that year (at the location). Thanks for reference site. You may like to try:
www.loganbeelab.usu.edu/How%20To/Identification/NorthernUTBumbleBee.htm

At least that's the site from 2005, only has diagrams of workers and is only for N Utah.

… Kerry S. Matz, 5 May, 2008 - 7:08pm

Moved

Moved from Bumble Bees.

… Beatriz Moisset, 3 October, 2006 - 1:49pm

Male.

This specimen is a male (enormous eyes, no "pollen baskets"), which might make ID slightly more difficult. Some bumble bees differ in color and pattern between the genders, and most references focus on the female workers.

… Eric R. Eaton, 1 June, 2006 - 3:36pm