The New Mexico Rare Arthropod Resource

Bombus fervidus is a long-tongued species that emerges later in the season (Williams et al. 2014). It inhabits open farmland, fields, urban parks, and gardens, typically nesting on the ground’s surface among tall grass or in abandoned mouse nests, though it sometimes nests underground (Williams et al. 2014). Known for its relatively aggressive behavior, this trait likely evolved to defend its more exposed, above-ground nests (Williams et al. 2014). Males gather outside nest entrances in search of mates, and the species feeds on a variety of plants, including Astragalus, Cirsium, Helianthus, Lonicera, Lythrum, Monarda, Pedicularis, Penstemon, Trifolium, and Vicia (Williams et al. 2014). Bombus fervidus also serves as a host to Bombus insularis and likely to B. suckleyi (Williams et al. 2014).

In New Mexico, Bombus fervidus thrives in open meadows, grasslands, and montane habitats, especially where diverse wildflower species are present. The species has been observed foraging on plants like sunflowers (Helianthus), goldenrods (Solidago), thistles (Cirsium), and various milkweed (Asclepias) species, all of which are native to New Mexico. There have been 65 ‘research grade’ observations recorded in the state from 2016-2024, according to iNaturalist (2024). With observations concentrated around northern New Mexico near the Santa Fe and Carson National Forests, central New Mexico near the Sandia Wilderness, western New Mexico near the base of Mt. Sedgwick, two observations near Escondido Mountain, and two observations south in the Lincoln National Forest (iNaturalist 2024).

Bumblebees are eusocial insects that form colonies consisting of a queen, workers, and reproductives (males and new queens). Their colonies last one season, with only the new, mated queens surviving the winter. In early spring, these queens emerge from hibernation, begin foraging for pollen and nectar, and search for a nesting site. Nests are often found underground in abandoned rodent burrows or above ground in grass tufts, old bird nests, rock piles, or tree cavities. Initially, the queen alone handles foraging and caring for the colony until the first workers emerge to assist. Bumblebees gather both nectar and pollen from a variety of plants, though species in the same area can differ in plant preferences based on tongue length. They are also known for “buzz pollination,” a highly effective technique in which they vibrate flowers to release pollen from the anthers (Michener 2000, Williams et al. 2014, Carril et al. 2023).

This species is widespread across much of the continent’s mid-latitudes, ranging from the Canadian Maritimes and eastern United States in the Eastern Temperate Forest and Boreal Forest regions, through the central Great Plains of the United States and southern Canada, and extending to the Mountain West, Pacific Coast, and the Western Desert of California (Chesshire et al. 2023).

Although Bombus fervidus has a broad range across North America, its presence in New Mexico is more localized, particularly in higher elevation meadows, foothills, and grasslands, where wildflowers are abundant. New Mexican occurrences are specifically concentrated around Santa Fe, Taos, and Albuquerque adjacent mountain meadows, with a few occurrences in the southern parts of the state around the Lincoln National Forest. It can also be found in more rural agricultural regions of northern New Mexico (iNaturalist 2024).

This species, found across Canada, the United States, and parts of Mexico, faces a range of threats that likely contribute to its decline, with no single threat fully explaining the trend. Disease, such as the high incidence of Nosema bombi found in declining populations in Massachusetts (Gillespie 2010), is likely significant, as Nosema bombi may spread from managed bumblebees (Colla et al. 2006). Habitat loss is another major concern. Suitable open grasslands and tallgrass prairie are scarce, and studies show these high-quality habitats support greater bumblebee diversity, including this species (Hines and Hendrix 2005).

Fire management practices also impact bumblebees. While natural and prescribed fires can benefit open-foraging habitats, fire suppression has led to habitat loss in some areas, whereas intense prescribed fires may reduce pollinator populations, particularly in low-abundance species (Swengel 2001).

The overall population trend of Bombus fervidus in North America is stable, but there has been some concern about population declines in parts of its range, including New Mexico (IUCN 2015). Habitat fragmentation, combined with climate change, may have led to reduced sightings in southern parts of its range. New Mexico populations, especially at higher elevations, may remain relatively healthy but require further monitoring to track local trends.

• Ascher, J.S. and Pickering, J.. 2014. Discover Life bee species guide and world checklist (Hymenoptera): Bombus fervidus (Fabricius, 1798). Available at: https://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?guide=Bombus&flags=subgenus. (Accessed: November 7, 2024).
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