Missouri is home to over a dozen kinds of bumblebees. But telling one from another takes practice. Many species look a lot alike!
Instructions
This field of wildflowers is buzzing with bumblebees. How many of each kind can you find? Tune up your ID skills with this puzzle, then go outside to the nearest flower garden and practice on the fuzzy, buzzy real thing.
- Brown-Belted Bumblebee
- Two-Spotted Bumblebee
- Common Eastern Bumblebee
- Black and Gold Bumblebee
- Yellow Bumblebee
The trick is to study the yellow and black patterns on each bee’s head, thorax (the center part of the body), and abdomen (the back end). Pay close attention to the segments on the abdomen. Is the segment closest to the thorax yellow or black? How many segments are yellow? Also look at the thorax. Is the thorax mostly black, mostly yellow, or does it have a spot or some other marking?
Also In This Issue
No hammer? No nails? No problem.
Fuzzy, buzzy, hard-working, and helpful, bumblebees are the superstars of flower farming.
And More...
This Issue's Staff
Photographer – David Stonner
Designer – Marci Porter
Designer – Les Fortenberry
Art Director – Cliff White
Editor – Matt Seek
Subscriptions – Laura Scheuler
Magazine Manager – Stephanie Thurber