What key attribute is listed as 'Critical' for defining a strong candidate location for this parasitic bee?
Answer
Documented or likely presence of social Bombus species' nests.
While structural elements like habitat edge and sun exposure are ranked as 'High' importance, the availability of the host species is listed as 'Critical.' Since the Yellowish Cuckoo Bumblebee relies entirely on finding an established host queen to parasitize, the actual physical location or structure of the habitat is secondary to the requisite biological presence of its host—typically social *Bombus* species that build underground nests. If the host population is absent due to local pressures like pesticide use, the parasite cannot persist, regardless of how ideal the foraging habitat appears.
Related Questions
What is the current scientific designation for the Yellowish Cuckoo Bumblebee?Why is the presence of host species critical for finding the Yellowish Cuckoo Bumblebee?What habitat structure is frequently associated with B. fervidus observations in New York State and Vermont?Which Mountain West state provides documented evidence of the presence of the Yellowish Cuckoo Bumblebee?What behavior distinguishes a female B. fervidus seeking a host queen in the spring?What key attribute is listed as 'Critical' for defining a strong candidate location for this parasitic bee?Which historical or contemporary data source is highlighted for pulling broad location data using the older name, Bombus fernaldae?How do habitat preferences in Wisconsin for *Bombus fernaldae* compare to those in the Northeast?What structural heterogeneity is suggested as an excellent search area when synthesizing location data?What key observation regarding *B. fervidus* coloration is noted in the Montana Field Guide descriptions?