Hunt's Bumblebee
Bombus huntii
The female bumblebee is finding nectar and pollen in the florets of Wheeler's Thistle. Ponderosa woodlands at Washington Park, Gila Co., Arizona, USA. 7 Aug. 2015
Apidae -- Typical Bee Family
These colorful, mostly harmless bees are commonly seen on a variety of flowers in sunny open areas in the Ponderosa Woodlands of Arizona. Many bumblebee species may be in decline across North America. Many fruits and vegetables grown by residents in the mountainous areas of the Southwest are pollinated by these insects. Natural habitat and wild flowers are vital to their continued existance.