Bumble and Honey Bees can be found anywhere in Alberta where there are flowers. The 35 or so species of Bumble Bees that we have in Alberta are native bees. They are quite numerous in the mountains.
The Honey Bee is a domesticated import, originally from Europe that now has practically worldwide distribution. Honey Bees would most likely be found around people, especially in rural areas where hives are maintained. All members of this well-known Family are highly social insects.
Bumble Bees, like Yellowjackets and Hornets, form annual colonies. Only the newly mated queens remain, and with luck survive the winter to establish a new colony the following spring. Colonies are often underground in abandoned mouse burrows, which are lined with grass, and sometimes even in piles of grass clippings left by gardeners. Grass-lined chambers contain wax brood cells to house the developing larvae.
Honey Bees are usually maintained in artificial hives by bee-keepers. Although Honey Bee colonies are naturally long-lived, Alberta is too cold for colonies to survive unless the bee-keeper keeps the colonies protected for the winter. Wild colonies perish unless the colony happens to be in a protected place with sufficient warmth.
Bumble and Honey Bees are very important pollinators. See individual profiles to learn more about these interesting insects.
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Recent Bumble and Honey Bee Family Reports in Alberta
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