Identifying bumble bees may seem intimidating and sometimes it takes an experienced researcher to make a solid verification. But many species can be identified by amateur naturalists with the use of guides and practice.

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There are 48 species of bumble bees in the United States and in the eastern United States there are 21 species (not too many to learn!).

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Here is a great training video to walk you through identification of species you may see

(developed by University of Minnesota Extension):

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Recording of bumble bee identification training: webinar recording 
 

Slides from webinar: ID slides

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Also, check out these guides:

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Bumble Bees of the Eastern United States by the U.S. Forest Service

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Guide to Minnesota Bumble Bees (females) by the Minnesota

  Bumble Bee Survey

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Guide to Minnesota Bumble Bees (males) by the Minnesota Bumble

  Bee Survey

 

Step-by-step bumble bee identification: Interactive ID guide

 

Pocket Guide to Identifying the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee by the

  Xerces Society

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Minnesota Bee Atlas Identification Resources

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Wisconsin Bumble Bee Brigade Field Guide

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Bee Spotter Key

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Bee Identification: Is it a rusty patched bumble bee

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