Table of contents
Identification
Buff-tailed bumblebees are easily identifiable by their large size, buff-colored tail, and distinctive yellow and black bands. Queens are significantly larger than workers and males, making them easy to spot in the early spring when they emerge from hibernation. Workers and males are smaller but share similar color patterns.
Their underside is less often discussed but offers another way to distinguish them, as it’s typically darker than other bumblebee species.
Explore our comprehensive Bee Identification Guide to learn more about recognizing different bee species.
Buff-Tailed Bumblebee
- Common Name: Buff-Tailed Bumblebee
- Latin Name: Bombus terrestris
- Size: 10-24 mm
- Location: Across the UK and Europe, commonly found in urban and rural areas
- Active Months: February to October (Queens can be active in winter in milder regions)
- Habitat: Gardens, meadows, woodlands, farmland
- Nesting Behaviour: Nests underground, often in abandoned rodent burrows or cavities
- Social Behaviour: Social, living in colonies of up to 400 individuals
- Flora & Fauna: Lavender, clover, foxglove, dandelion, and other nectar-rich flowers
- UK Status: Stable, but populations can be locally affected by habitat loss
Extended Active Season
Unlike many bumblebee species, Buff-tailed bumblebee queens can be active throughout the winter in mild urban areas. This extended season allows them to play a crucial role in pollination when few other pollinators are around. Their adaptability is one reason they’re considered a resilient species.
Supporting the Ecosystem
The Buff-tailed bumblebee is a keystone species in pollination, critical for both wildflowers and crops like tomatoes, berries, and beans. This species is particularly adept at buzz pollination, where vibrations dislodge pollen from flowers, making them invaluable for food security and biodiversity.
Why the Buff-Tailed Bumblebee Matters
Their importance goes beyond pollination. They contribute to ecosystem health by supporting plant reproduction and food chains. Globally, their introduction to areas like Chile has sparked debates about their role in local biodiversity.
Capturing Curiosity
Buff tailed bumblebees exhibit fascinating behaviors like nectar robbing, where they bypass a flower’s reproductive structures to access nectar. They are also highly organized, with colonies that exhibit complex social hierarchies and division of labor.
How You Can Help
You can support Bees by planting nectar-rich flowers like lavender, foxglove, and clover. Avoid pesticides, as they can harm these vital pollinators. Providing undisturbed areas for nesting, such as compost heaps or sheltered spots, can also help their colonies thrive.
Discover practical ways to create a bee-friendly garden with these tips from the WWF.
FAQ
1. Where do buff-tailed bumblebees live?
They are widespread across the UK and Europe, thriving in gardens, meadows, farmland, and even urban areas. They nest underground, often in abandoned rodent burrows.
2. What is the life cycle of a buff-tailed bumblebee?
Their life cycle includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Queens emerge in early spring to start new colonies, laying eggs that develop into workers, males, and new queens.
3. Are buff-tailed bumblebees active in winter?
Yes, queens can remain active in winter, particularly in urban areas with mild climates and access to flowering plants.
4. Do buff-tailed bumblebees sting?
Yes, they can sting, but they’re generally non-aggressive and only sting when threatened. Unlike honeybees, bumblebees can sting multiple times.
5. What do buff-tailed bumblebees eat?
Their diet primarily consists of nectar and pollen from a variety of flowers, including lavender, clover, and dandelion.
6. How can I help buff-tailed bumblebees?
Planting bee-friendly flowers, avoiding pesticides, and providing nesting areas are simple ways to support them. Maintaining a year-round supply of flowering plants can also help sustain their extended activity period.
The Buff-tailed bumblebee, with its resilience and ecological importance, deserves our attention and care. By understanding and supporting this species, we contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment for all.
