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Spring Mill Bee

Bee

I took this photo at Spring Mill State Park in Indiana. This bee took the time to hang out with me for a photo shoot in early July. I believe it is a Common Eastern Bumble Bee which is the most commonly seen bumble bee in North America. This bee species is an excellent pollinator that lives in large colonies.

The hike that day was a good one that had us circumnavigating Spring Mill. This is an interesting park because you get to see where the creek originates. You also can take a ride into one of the caves. This is a guided tour that happens from Memorial day to mid-October on the weekends. The guides will give you some fun history and facts about the park and the caves that lie within it.

This bee species is an excellent pollinator

Common Eastern Bumble Bee Fun Facts!

  • They can fly at higher/colder altitudes than other bumble bees.
  • All but the young, future queens die in the winter.
  • Their scientific name is Bombus impatiens.
  • Their average size is 9mm - 21mm.
  • They can be found throughout the eastern half of the United States as well as into Canada.
  • Colonies typically emerge in June.
  • Colonies can grow to more than 450 bees (mostly worker bees).
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Article by Ben Ivers

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