Morrison’s Bumble Bee (Bombus morrisoni)

Richard took photos of a Morrison’s Bumble Bee (Bombus morrisoni) on a purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) in the front garden. Bombus comes from Greek, meaning humming or buzzing while morrisoni is named after the American entomologist Herbert Morrison (1854-1885). While this species is not currently listed as an Endangered Species, it is under review for potential listing since data show a precipitous decline in its population size, especially since 2000. Its relative abundance has decreased by 74%, and it has disappeared from about 66% of its historical range due to habitat loss, climate change, pesticides, and disease. It is listed as Vulnerable to extinction on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, and is, according to the Xerces Society, a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Colorado.

Morrison Bumble Bees are large, fuzzy bumble bees that look brighter than many other species since they have so much yellow on them. The hair on the face and top of the head is black. The thorax, where the wings attach, are solid golden-yellow. The first segments of the abdomen are completely covered in bright, solid yellow hair while the final segments are solid black.