A handful of species have color morphs that don't fit in the above categorizes and are included here. Three of these species are parasitic, meaning they usurp the nests of other bumble bee species. Parasitic species are inherently less common though two of the three species here are found annually in Vermont.

Non-Parasitic Species

Two-spotted Bumble Bee (Bombus bimaculatus)

Males of this common species are quite variable. Some have bold yellow beyond stripes on T4. © Kent McFarland

Red-belted Bumble Bee (Bombus rufocinctus)

This species is incredibly variable, and often doesn't have any red. © Spencer Hardy

Parasitic Species

Lemon Cuckoo Bumble Bee (Bombus citrinus)

Probably the most common parasitic species in Vermont, though uncommon and largely confined to the Champlain Valley. Males mostly in August and September. Photo courtesy Michael Veit.

Fernald's Cuckoo Bumble Bee (Bombus fernaldae)

Recently re-found to VT after more than 50 years without any records. Found at multiple sites in each summer from 2018 - 2020. Males most likely in July. Photo © Leif Richardson

Ashton's Cuckoo Bumble Bee (Bombus ashtoni)

Perhaps extirpated in Vermont, though a few have been recorded in the northeast in the past decade. Both known hosts (Rusty-patched and Yellow-banded) have declined significantly this century. Photo courtesy Margarita Miklasevskaja at PCYU