June bumble bee nest phenology update

June 24, 2026

Mid-June is a time of transition in Minnesota as spring turns to summer. Many spring blooms have faded and there is a bit of a bloom gap before the summer blooms get into full swing.

Mid-late June is a great time to look for nests. Vegetation is low, making it easier to see bumble bees moving in the vegetation to find their nest. Some nests may be very active, especially those of Bombus bimaculatus, giving a higher chance of discovering a nest.

Spring queens to workers

In southern Minnesota, queen sightings are less frequent as workers begin to take over foraging. Queens with small nests may still collect pollen and some of the last nest searchers may be out trying to find a place to nest. In northern Minnesota, queens are still out looking for nesting sites and establishing nests.

A Bombus griseocollis worker, entering her nest situated under the floor boards of an outdoor gazebo. Photo: Zach Portman

What bumble bees are out?

Mid-late June shows high activity for Bombus bimaculatus (two-spotted bumble bee) as their nests reach their peaks. You may notice some very worn Bombus bimaculatus workers, who are among the earliest emerging workers of the year. At this time, Bombus griseocollis (brown-belted bumble bee) and Bombus impatiens (common eastern bumble bee) colonies are still growing. Bombus ternarius (tri-colored bumble bee) queens and workers may become common and established in the north soon. Expect to see more Bombus impatiens, Bombus rufocinctus (red-belted bumble bee), and Bombus auricomus (black and gold bumble bee) in July.

Whats blooming right now?

Currently, you may see bumble bees visiting roses (Rosa spp.), raspberries (Rubus spp.), beards tongue (Penstemon spp.), spiderwort (Tradescantia spp.), and bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera) for nectar and pollen in native plantings. Popular garden and roadside plants for bumble bees now include goatsbeard (Aruncus), thistles (Carduus spp., Cirsium spp.), and tomatoes (Solanum spp.).

A worn Bombus bimaculatus worker. Notice her thorax is missing many hairs, signaling she may have been one of the earliest workers of the year. Photo: Sami Dolan

Spiderwort blooming at Crow Hassan Park Reserve. Photo credit: Sami Dolan

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