Interactions

The Power of Pollination!
The rusty-patched bumble bee is an excellent pollinator of many flowers and plants which includes wildflowers, cranberries, and important crops, including plum, apple, alfalfa, and onion seed.

            

Bumble bees and other animals

Bumble bee's dependence on other animals is limited to occupying the disused nests of mammals or birds. On the other hand, many animals rely directly or indirectly on bumble bees for their livelihood, and the bumble bees provide a link between them and the plant life upon which all animals life ultimately depends.

Predators!
Bumble bees do not have many predators because of their warning coloration. Skunks, black bears, and other mammals will consume the comb, adult bumble bees and their young. Shrikes and Blue jays have both been reported to eat bumble bees.

Parasites!
There are several parasites that are believed to be responsible for the decline in the populations of rusty-patched bumble bees, as well as other bumble bee species. The intracellular parasite Nosema bombi is believed to be the main contributor and possibly  Locustacrus buchneri (bee mites) and Crithidia bombi as well.  

 

Want to know more about the rusty-patched bumble bee?!
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