Table of contents
Recognizing the Large Garden Bumblebee
The Bombus ruderatus is a long-tongued species with a slim body, a black face, and a thorax with yellow bands. It is often confused with Bombus hortorum but can be distinguished by its slimmer build.
Large Garden Bumblebee
- Common Name: Large Garden Bumblebee
- Latin Name: Bombus ruderatus
- Size: 14-16 mm (queen), 11-14 mm (worker), 13-15 mm (male)
- Location: Widely distributed in southern England, scarce in other parts of the UK
- Active Months: March to September
- Habitat: Gardens, meadows, farmland
- Nesting Behaviour: Nests in underground cavities, often abandoned rodent burrows
- Social Behaviour: Social, with colonies of up to 200 individuals
- Flora & Fauna: Prefers long tubular flowers such as red clover, white clover, and foxglove
- UK Status: Declining due to habitat loss and agricultural changes
Extended Active Season
Queens emerge from hibernation in early spring, typically in March, to start new colonies. Workers remain active throughout the summer, and males appear in late summer.
Supporting the Ecosystem
As a key pollinator for long-tubed flowers, the Large Garden Bumblebee plays a crucial role in pollinating both wild plants and crops such as red clover.
Why the Large Garden Bumblebee Matters
The declining population of this species signals a loss of biodiversity. It is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and contributing to crop yields.
Learn more about Bee conservation here!
Capturing Curiosity
Rare sightings of the Large Garden Bumblebee make it a fascinating species for enthusiasts. It is particularly notable for its specialized feeding behavior, made possible by its long tongue.
How You Can Help
You can support this species by planting long-tubed flowers such as foxglove and honeysuckle, creating wildflower meadows, and protecting nesting sites by avoiding soil disturbance. Additionally, participating in bumblebee surveys and supporting conservation efforts can help safeguard their future.
To learn more about identifying different bee species, check out our comprehensive bee identification guide here.
FAQ
Q1: How can I tell the difference between Bombus ruderatus and Bombus hortorum?
A1: Bombus ruderatus is slimmer and slightly larger than Bombus hortorum, with subtle differences in band coloration.
Q2: What flowers attract Large Garden Bumblebees?
A2: Red clover, white clover, foxglove, and honeysuckle are ideal for their long tongues.
Q3: Why is the Large Garden Bumblebee declining in the UK?
A3: Habitat loss due to agricultural intensification and reduced availability of long-tubed flowers are primary causes.
Q4: Do Large Garden Bumblebees sting?
A4: Yes, like most bumblebees, females (workers and queens) can sting, but they are generally non-aggressive and only sting when threatened.
Q5: What time of day are Large Garden Bumblebees most active?
A5: They are most active during warm daylight hours, especially in the morning and early afternoon when flowers are abundant with nectar.
Q6: Can Large Garden Bumblebees survive in urban environments?
A6: Yes, they can adapt to urban gardens and parks if suitable flowers and nesting sites are available, though they prefer rural habitats with abundant wildflowers.
Q7: How long do Large Garden Bumblebee colonies last?
A7: A colony typically lasts for one season, with new queens emerging in late summer to hibernate over winter and start new colonies the following spring.
Q8: Are Large Garden Bumblebees important for agriculture?
A8: Yes, they are crucial pollinators for certain crops, especially those with deep flowers, such as clover and beans.
