Bourdon inattendu
Bombus inexspectatus
Overview
Bourdon inattendu (Bombus inexspectatus) is a robust bumblebee species characterized by its distinctive black and yellow striped pattern with notably bright orange-red patches on its thorax. As a critical pollinator, this species plays an essential role in maintaining plant diversity and ecosystem stability in its native range, with worker bees forming colonies of 50-200 individuals that forage across extensive territories.
Bombus inexspectatus faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development across its limited range. Climate change is altering the timing of flowering plants that this species depends on for nectar, creating mismatches between bee emergence and food availability.
Habitat
This bumblebee inhabits montane meadows and alpine grasslands between 1,200-2,800 meters elevation, where it depends on diverse wildflower communities including native clovers, lupines, and alpine asters. The species requires undisturbed areas with suitable underground nesting sites in well-drained soils near forest edges or rocky outcrops.
Other threatened species in Apidae
Threatened in China
Frequently asked questions
Why is Bourdon inattendu classified as Endangered?
Where does Bourdon inattendu live?
What are the main threats to Bourdon inattendu?
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