About Bombus morio (Swederus, 1787)
Bombus morio is a species of bumble bee that shares core characteristics with other bumble bee species, including the three-part body structure of head, thorax, and abdomen. Females and males of this species can be distinguished by several physical traits. Females have 6 abdominal segments, 12 antenna segments, and pollen baskets (rimmed segments with long hairs on their back legs used to carry pollen back to the nest); males in contrast have 7 abdominal segments, 13 antenna segments, and do not have pollen baskets.
There are approximately 250 known Bombus (bumble bee) species overall. Most Bombus species are found in the northern climate zones of America and Eurasia, with only a small number of species living in southern regions. Bombus morio is one of these southern species. This bee is forest-dependent, and lives in the temperate midland regions of Brazil. It is primarily a surface nester, though its nests can also be found underground.
Bombus morio exhibits a specialized pollen-release behavior called buzz pollination. To perform this behavior, the bee lands on a flower, grasps the flower's stamens with its legs, then vibrates its body while holding a curved posture. This method is very effective at dislodging pollen, making Bombus morio a highly effective pollinator.
