Habitat and Geographic Location

 Geographic Location  

The American Bumble Bee (Bombus pensylvanicus) is found not only in Wisconsin but also in various states throughout the US. These states include Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wyoming (Nature Serve 2012). Wisconsin has been identified as a state in which Bombus pensylvanicus’ numbers are in decline with the species listed as “critically imperiled” (Nature Serve 2012). The American Bumble Bee is also found in Canada in the following provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Yukon (Nature Serve 2012). Though found widely in North America, Bombus pensylvanicus is found most commonly in Nebraska (Discover Life 2013) Unfortunately, the American Bumble Bee’s numbers are in serious decline. Before 1998, it was also found in Texas and parts of Mexico. Though there are no concrete explanations as to why this species (along with other Bumble Bee species) are in decline, the Encyclopedia of Life suggests some plausible reasons including habitat destruction, pathogens and pesticides.  

Habitat              

Bombus pensylvanicus is generally found in high altitude habitats, usually above 1500 meters above sea level (Nature Serve 2012). This specific species typically lives in dry regions (Nature Serve 2012). Because Bumble Bees are pollinators, they will often be found near certain flowers. The American Bumble Bee, specifically, will often pollinate Agave lechuguilla, coneflowers, rough blazing star, Morning Glory, yellow fringeless orchid, tall ironweed, red clover, Queen Anne’s Lace and Sunflowers (Encyclopedia of Life 2013).