White fungus on a bumblebee? - Ask Extension
I observed this bumblebee that appeared to be parasitized by a white fuzzy covering. I've never seen anything like this before. what is it?
Knowledgebase
White fungus on a bumblebee? #877845
Asked July 18, 2024, 7:14 PM EDT
I observed this bumblebee that appeared to be parasitized by a white fuzzy covering. I've never seen anything like this before. what is it?
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
This bumble bee is covered in pollen grains. I often see this after they visit plants with large flowers and pollen stalks such as hibiscus. In your 3rd photo, you can zoom in nicely to the individual pollen grains.
Whew! I thought the poor thing was infected by some kind of fungus. Thank you!
On 07/18/2024 8:54 PM EDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
