Franklin's bumblebee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Franklin's bumblebee |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Bombus
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| Species: |
franklini
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The Franklin's bumblebee (Bombus franklini) is a very rare bee found only in a small part of the western United States. It is known to live in an area about 190 miles long and 70 miles wide. This area is located in southern Oregon and northern California, between the Coast and Sierra-Cascade mountains. Sadly, this bumblebee is considered critically endangered, meaning it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever. The last time anyone saw a Franklin's bumblebee was in 2006.
Franklin's bumblebees collect sweet nectar and pollen from many different wildflowers. Some of their favorite flowers include lupine, California poppy, and horsemint. Because they visit many types of flowers, they are called "generalist foragers."
What Does It Look Like?
Franklin's bumblebee has a special look that helps us tell it apart from other bumblebees. Its main body (called the abdomen) is completely black. The front part of its body (the thorax) has a yellow U-shaped pattern.
Female Franklin's bumblebees have black hair on their faces and on the top of their heads. They might have a few lighter hairs near their antennae. Most other similar bumblebee species have yellow hair on their faces. Male Franklin's bumblebees look similar, but the hair on their faces is yellow. They also have some light hairs on the sides of their sixth body segment.
Why Is It Endangered?
The last time a Franklin's bumblebee was seen was in Oregon in 2006. Some people worry that this species might already be extinct, but scientists are still looking for more proof. Until then, it is listed as "critically imperiled," which is a very serious conservation status. This means it is in extreme danger of extinction. The number of these bumblebees has dropped a lot since 1998, which is a big concern for scientists and conservationists.
