Common eastern bumble bee vs American bumble bee
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a common eastern bumble bee from an American bumble bee, and whether either one bites or stings.
Common eastern bumble bee
Bombus impatiens
American bumble bee
Bombus pensylvanicus
≠The key differences
B. impatiens has yellow on only the first abdominal segment, with the rest of the abdomen black; B. pensylvanicus has yellow on the second and third segments.
⚖︎Side by side
| Common eastern bumble bee | American bumble bee | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Can sting | Can sting |
| Size | Queen 18-22 mm; workers 8-16 mm; males 12-17 mm (body length) | Queens 18-25 mm; workers 12-20 mm |
| Colours | Black, Bright yellow, White (tail) | Yellow, Black, Orange-red |
| Family | Apidae | Apidae |
| Habitat | Open and semi-open areas: gardens, meadows, parks, agricultural fields, forest edges; nests in cavities, rodent burrows, compost piles and sheltered cavities. | Open, flower-rich habitats: prairies, meadows, pastures, roadsides, farmland edges and gardens |
| Range | Eastern and central North America: from southern Canada (Ontario to the Maritimes) through the eastern United States to the Great Plains. Also reared commercially for greenhouse pollination in North America. | Historically across much of eastern and central North America from Canada through the United States and into northern Mexico; now reduced in parts of its northern and eastern range |
| Active | Spring through fall (roughly April to October depending on latitude); diurnal (active during daylight). | Spring through fall (peak summer activity); diurnal (active in daylight hours) |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot a common eastern bumble bee
- Yellow thorax and yellow first abdominal segment; the rest of the abdomen is black (no white tail).
- Large, robust, hairy body typical of bumble bees; queens noticeably larger than workers.
- Flight is relatively slow and bumbling compared with smaller bees; often visits open-faced and tubular flowers.
🔍How to spot an American bumble bee
- Large bumble bee with a yellow thorax that is black toward the rear
- Abdomen yellow on the second and third segments, with the tail end black (no red, orange or white tail)
- Short, even hair that looks neat rather than shaggy; black face
- Found in open, flower-rich habitats rather than shaded forest interiors
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a common eastern bumble bee and an American bumble bee?
B. impatiens has yellow on only the first abdominal segment, with the rest of the abdomen black; B. pensylvanicus has yellow on the second and third segments.
Is a common eastern bumble bee or an American bumble bee more dangerous?
Common eastern bumble bee: Can sting. American bumble bee: Can sting. Workers and queens can sting and may do so if handled, stepped on, or if their nest is disturbed. Bumble bees can sting and their sting is painful but they are not aggressive when foraging.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.