Red-belted Bumble Bee Bombus rufocinctus

This robust, fuzzy bee has a massive range across North America. It's found throughout Canada and the western, midwestern, and northeastern United States, with occasional reports from Mexico. The 'red-belted' common name comes from the distinctive red band on its abdomen, making it easy to identify in the field. Like all bumblebees, it's an important pollinator for wildflowers and crops. These bees are generally gentler and more docile than honeybees, preferring to focus on flowers rather than defending territory. Seeing one buzzing around your garden is a sign of healthy, biodiverse habitat. They can forage in cooler and cloudier weather than many other bees, which means more pollination during marginal conditions.