About Bombus californicus Smith, 1854
Bombus californicus, like its sister species Bombus fervidus, can display multiple different yellow and black color patterns. In many regions where the two species overlap in distribution, at least a small percentage of individuals cannot be distinguished from one another without genetic analysis. This is because each species can sometimes show the color pattern that is typically characteristic of the other. The typical color pattern of female Bombus californicus is black, with only one distinct yellow band on the forward part of the thorax, and a second single yellow band near the tip of the abdomen. Males of this species have much greater variation in color pattern. Bombus californicus builds its nests underground, and can be found nesting in both wooded areas and urban areas. New queens emerge from hibernation between April and mid-July. Worker bees are present from April through September. Male drones are present from late May through September. This bumblebee pollinates sage, blueberry bushes, red clover, California poppies, and many other species of flowering plants.
