Bombus huntii, Hunt's Bumble Bee
- pollinators1
- Oct 15
- 1 min read
Updated: Nov 11
The Hunt Bumble Bee (Bombus huntii) is one of Colorado’s distinctive medium sized bumblebees with a colorful rust-orange band on their fuzzy rump. Their ability to thrive in cooler temperatures and “buzz pollinate” makes them important generalist pollinators in both natural and agricultural ecosystems across our state! Like other bumble bees, they nest underground in small colonies, and only fertilized young queens survive the winter. These queens emerge in spring to locate new nest sites, lay eggs, and raise the first group of workers that eventually take over the work of foraging, maintaining the nest, and raising more young. As the colony grows, they produce males and new queens that will disperse to produce another generation in the following spring.
In 2022, People & Pollinators Action Network (PPAN) championed CO Senate Bill 22-199 at the legislature, in which the CO Department of Natural Resources commissioned a study on our state's native pollinating insects.
Insects, often underestimated, play a remarkable role in our state's landscapes. Not only are they cool, but they are also vital contributors to essential ecosystem services. From pollination to waste decomposition, insects support Colorado's diverse landscapes, from the mountains to the rivers.
Join us as we delve into the world of this fascinating wildlife and learn about the Colorado Native Pollinating Insects Study (2024) report! Check out page 43 to discover more about the Hunt's Bumble Bee!
