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Sonoran Bumblebees Living in the Desert
of Las Vegas, Nevada
Sonoran bumblebees in Las Vegas may not be as commonly spotted as honeybees, but they help to pollinate our beautiful desert oasis.
Plus, who doesn't love to watch them in action?
Bumblebees in Las Vegas
These fuzzy, hardworking pollinators are particularly active in the spring and into the late summer when native desert plants like creosote, brittlebush, and globemallow are in bloom.
Unlike honeybees, bumblebees do not form large, permanent colonies; instead, they establish seasonal nests in the ground or sheltered areas.
We have seen bumblebee nests that have about 150 to 400 bees in the colony.
Texas Mountain Laurel Tree in Las Vegas, 2025
Pictures of Sonoran Bumblebees in Las Vegas
The bumblebees are on a Texas Mountain Laurel tree. This hardy evergreen tree is popular in arid regions like Las Vegas and is known for its striking clusters of deep purple, grape-scented flowers in early spring.
Bumblebees will be seen all over this beautiful tree when they emerge from their winter nap.
The Sonoran Bumblebee
About the Sonoran Bumblebee
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Appearance: This is often considered one of the larger and more striking bumblebees in its range. It's characterized by:
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A predominantly yellow body.
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A distinct black band across the thorax (the middle section between the wings).
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Often, another black band or marking towards the rear of the abdomen, though the extent can vary.
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Like all bumblebees, it's fuzzy!
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Size: They are relatively large compared to many other bee species.
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Habitat: As the name suggests, it's well-adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. You'll find it in deserts, grasslands, open woodlands, chaparral, and even suburban gardens and agricultural areas within its range, provided there are sufficient flowering resources.
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Range: Its primary range includes the Southwestern United States (Arizona, California, New Mexico, western Texas) and parts of Mexico.
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Behavior & Importance:
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Pollinator: Bombus sonorus is an important generalist pollinator, visiting a wide variety of native wildflowers, desert plants, and sometimes cultivated crops. Their "buzz pollination" (vibrating flowers) is particularly effective for plants like tomatoes and peppers.
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Social: They are social insects living in colonies, usually founded by a single queen in the spring. Colonies typically nest underground in abandoned rodent burrows or similar cavities.
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Active Season: They are most active during the warmer months when flowers are blooming.