About Bombus borealis Kirby, 1837
Bombus borealis, first described by Kirby in 1837, is a species of bumblebee commonly known as the northern amber bumblebee. It is native to northern North America, with a range that covers Canada, Alaska, and the northern and eastern parts of the contiguous United States. Queen individuals of this species measure 1.8 to 2.2 centimeters long, have yellow hairs covering their body, and pale to white hairs on their head. Worker individuals share the same coloration as queens and grow to 1.3 centimeters in length. Male individuals measure 1.4 to 1.7 centimeters long. This bumblebee species is most often found in woodland habitats. It typically builds its nests underground, and males will congregate near nests to search for mates. It feeds on a number of different plant groups, including milkvetches, thistles, wild blackberries, goldenrods, comfrey, clovers, and vetches.
