The third caste of bumble bees, the males, are usually produced in midsummer. Bumble bees are easily recognized by the corbicula or pollen basket on the hind tibiae in the females. Honey bees are the only other bees in Florida with this structure, but are easily recognized by their smaller size, hairy eyes, and lack of hind tibial spurs. The five species of bumble bees found in Florida are usually separated by the pattern of the black and yellow pubescence. The closely related parasitic Psithyrus spp.
Bumble bees become rarer in southern Florida.
None are known from the Keys. These are beneficial insects which pollinate many native and ornamental plants. They can sting severely, so problem nests near human dwellings should be removed by experienced pest control operators. Key to the Bumble Bees 1. Psithyrus variabilis 2'.