Hairy vetch can be found across the United States
This is an eastern bumble bee hanging upside-down on a flower known as hairy vetch. This strange named flower is also known as fodder vetch, winter vetch, or sand vetch. Although Wild Boyz Photography has written about eastern bumbles in the past, we have yet to write about the flower hairy vetch.
Hairy vetch can be found across the United States. However, this flower is actually from Europe and Asia. Some states (and some countries in Europe) consider the species to be invasive. Why is this plant considered invasive? It is able to outcompete native species for habitat. Hairy vetch also has a high growth rate relative to other species. This beautiful flower can range in color from purple to blue. Each stalk, like the one this bee is on, typically has 10-20 flowers. Hairy vetch will grow to a maximum of around three feet high.
I took this photo in southern Maine during the summer. I was shooting photos in an old farm field, a typical habitat for hairy vetch. Additionally, you will see hairy vetch in forests, meadows, and even along roads. If you are ever in the Portland, Maine area, Fuller Farm Preserve is a great visit. The preserve is about 226 acres and has about three miles of trails. It is a great visit throughout the year. Depending on the season, you can hike, snow shoe, or cross-country ski.
There are some particularly interesting behaviors of the chukar. In non-breeding seasons, they can be found in small groups, or coveys, of 10 to 50 birds. They breed in the summertime, during which the males become much more vocal and will fight one another for dominance. Their call, which they commonly perform in the mornings and evenings, sounds like chuck or chuker, and is where their name is derived from. They tend to run instead of fly when disturbed.
Eastern bumble bee nests are underground, typically about one to three feet
Did you know?
- Eastern bumble bee queens lay ~2000 eggs each season. Roughly half will survive to adulthood.
- Hairy vetch is often planted adjacent to tomato plants to serve as a companion plant. Hairy vetch adds nitrogen to the soil.
- Common eastern bumble bees are indeed common. They are the most commonly seen native bee in North America!
- Eastern bumble bees are used in farming, specifically in greenhouses. These bees are terrific pollinators for species such as tomatoes, pumpkins, and some species of berries.
- Negative ghost rider. Vetch adds nitrogen to the soil but companion plants typically outcompete less desirable weeds for space.
- Honeybees are more common – but not native
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