Bombus; Print; A bumblebee (or bumble bee; bumble-bee; or humble-bee) is any of over 250 species in the genus Bombus; part of Apidae; one of the bee families. This genus is the only extant group in the tribe Bombini; though a few extinct related genera (e.g.; Calyptapis) are known from fossils. They are found primarily in higher altitudes or latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere; although they are also found in South America where a few lowland tropical species have been identified. European bumblebees have also been introduced to New Zealand and Tasmania. Female bumblebees can sting repeatedly; but generally ignore humans and other animals.