petri.
← All creatures
NO. 024Rusty-patched bumblebee, female worker illustrationIllustration · not shown at life size

Bees & wasps / Insect

Rusty-patched bumblebee

Bombus affinis

Adult · female workerAn endangered species

This endangered native bee needs careful looking. Workers have a rusty patch surrounded by yellow hair.

Let’s look closer

Little clues

Three things to notice.

  1. Rust patch surrounded by yellow hairs.

  2. Black head.

  3. Endangered native pollinator.

Out in the world

Where to look.

Around southeastern Wisconsin

Regional gardens and natural areas.

When to look

Workers appear in summer. Queens begin their nests in spring.

Look closely. Leave your tiny neighbor where you found it.

A closer look

One clue is just the start.

The rusty patch appears on workers and males. Queens do not have it. A clear photo can help an expert check the identity.

This species faces a real conservation threat. Encounters depend on season and habitat.

Keep exploring

Meet the neighbors.

For curious grownups, too

Read a little further.

Original summaries, with references for deeper reading. Field notes are being checked against the supplied research.

Make a creature disc

Artwork & downloads.

Drag a PNG image into xTool Studio, or use its download button. Images use the full-resolution files.

  • Rusty-patched bumblebee — Transparent front PNG

    Transparent front PNG

    76.2 mm canvas · white-outlined labels on a clear background

    024-front.png
    1800 × 1800 px

    Download PNG
  • Rusty-patched bumblebee — Relief depth PNG — prototype

    Relief depth PNG — prototype

    Matches this front · dark lettering 0.5 mm, outline 0.1 mm at 1 mm maximum

    024-height-disc.png
    1800 × 1800 px

    Download PNG
  • Rusty-patched bumblebee — Original artwork

    Original artwork

    Unmodified source PNG

    024-rusty-patched-bumblebee.png
    1254 × 1254 px

    Download PNG

  • Editable front SVG

    Common & scientific names · finding clue · editable labels

    024-front.svg

    Download SVG

Front artwork is made for a 3-inch clear disc. Revised artwork still needs a physical check. Disc backs are blank; use the single carrier QR from the print studio to open the field guide.

Visit the print studio →