About the Black-Clothed Bumble Bee
Bombus pullatus is a tropical, eusocial species of bumblebee native to Mexico and Central America. Unlike many bumblebee species, they live in colonies with multiple queens. The majority of this species occurs in the lowlands of Central America, with approximately 90% of colonies being found in Costa Rica. However they have been found at elevations higher than 3 km above sea level. Colonies have been confirmed in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and the south of Mexico.
Bombus pullatus is considered a more basal member of the genus Bombus compared to Bombus pauloensis and Bombus transversalis. Historically, Bombus pullatus has commonly been misidentified as Bombus pauloensis and vice versa in many collections. Molecular analyses (such as DNA profiling) of these specimens are required to accurately identify both species. This issue is why the IUCN has agreed to reject data on this species that is more southern than Panama.
This species is known to be quite aggressive, stinging humans within approximately 6 m of the nest if it is disturbed. Unlike most bumblebees, Bombus pullatus colonies contain multiple queens (a form of polygyny... Wikipedia →
