Bumblebee
Distinctive Qualities
Bumblebees are insects that
are characterized by black and yellow body hairs, often in bands. However,
some species have orange or red on their bodies, or may be entirely black.
Another obvious characteristic is the soft nature of the hair, called pile, that
covers their entire body, making them appear and feel fuzzy. They are best
distinguised from similarly large, fuzzy bees by the form of the female hind
leg, which is modified to form a shiny concae surface that is bare, but
surrounded by a fringe of hairs used to transport pollen.
Sting
Queen and worker bumblebees can sting, but
unlike a honey bee's, a bumblebee's stinger lacks barbs, so they can sting more
than once. Bumblebee species are normall non-aggressive, but will sting in
degense of their nest, or if harmed. Female cuckoo bumblebees will
agressively attack host colony members, and sting the host queen, but will
ignore other animals (including humans) unless disturbed.
