Table of contents
Introduction
The Red Tailed Black Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius) is one of the most striking and recognizable bumblebees in the UK. With its deep black body and vibrant red tail, this species plays a crucial role in pollinating both wild and cultivated plants.
You’ll often spot this bumblebee in gardens, meadows, hedgerows, and urban green spaces, where it helps fertilize wildflowers, fruit trees, and crops. However, like many pollinators, it faces growing threats from habitat loss and climate change. In this guide, you’ll learn how to identify Bombus lapidarius, distinguish it from similar species, and take steps to help protect it.
How to Identify Red-Tailed Bumblebees in the UK
This large, robust bumblebee has a distinct appearance, making it easy to recognize.
Physical Characteristics
- Queen – Large, jet-black body with a striking red tail.
- Worker – Similar in appearance to the queen but smaller.
- Male (Drone) – Slightly hairier, featuring a yellow band behind the head, a faint yellow band on the thorax, and yellow facial hair.
Identification & Key Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Red Tailed Black Bumblebee |
| Latin Name | Bombus lapidarius |
| Size | Queens: 20-22 mm; Workers: 12-16 mm; Males: 14-16 mm |
| Location | Found throughout the UK |
| Active Months | April to November |
| Habitat | Thrives in gardens, parks, grasslands, heathlands, farmlands, coastal areas, wetlands, woodlands, and urban spaces. |
| Nesting Behavior | Prefers underground nests, often in abandoned rodent burrows, under stones, or at the base of dry stone walls. |
| Social Behavior | Social species with a queen-led colony structure. |
| Flora & Fauna | Favors flowers like lavender, thistles, clover, foxglove, and knapweed. |
| UK Status | Common and widespread, though some areas have seen localized declines due to habitat loss. |
Similar Species
The Red Tailed Black Bumblebee is sometimes confused with other species, including:
- Early Bumblebee (Bombus pratorum) – Smaller, with a more orange-red tail and yellow bands.
- Bilberry Bumblebee (Bombus monticola) – Has a red tail but also distinct yellow markings on the thorax.
- Red Tailed Cuckoo Bee (Bombus rupestris) – A parasitic species that mimics Bombus lapidarius but has a shinier, less hairy body.
- Red-shanked Carder Bumblebee (Bombus ruderarius) – Smaller, with longer and scruffier hair, and orange/red hairs fringing the pollen basket.
For a more detailed comparison, check out our Bee Identification Guide.
Why the Red Tailed Black Bumblebee Matters
The Red Tailed Black Bumblebee is a vital pollinator, ensuring the reproduction of many plant species. As it moves between flowers, it supports biodiversity, strengthens ecosystems, and helps sustain agricultural yields.
Unfortunately, habitat destruction, pesticide use, and climate change pose major threats to this species. Conservation efforts are key to maintaining healthy populations.
How You Can Help
Supporting the Red Tailed Black Bumblebee is simple, and every effort counts. Here’s what you can do:
🌿 Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers
- Grow native plants like lavender, foxglove, knapweed, and clover to provide essential nectar sources.
🚫 Avoid Harmful Pesticides
- Reduce or eliminate the use of neonicotinoids and other chemicals that harm pollinators.
🏡 Provide Nesting Spaces
- Leave areas of undisturbed soil and wild vegetation to encourage natural nesting sites.
- Install bee hotels or create protected ground burrows to support colony formation.
By creating a pollinator-friendly garden, you’ll help ensure that the Red Tailed Black Bumblebee and other beneficial species continue to thrive. Check out these WWF tips on creating a bee-friendly garden for more ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Red Tailed Black Bumblebees eat?
They primarily feed on nectar from flowers like lavender, knapweed, and clover. Workers also collect pollen to feed their developing larvae.
Where do Red Tailed Bumblebees nest?
They typically nest underground in old rodent burrows, beneath stones, or at the base of dry stone walls.
Are Red Tailed Black Bumblebees aggressive?
No, they are generally non-aggressive and will only sting if provoked.
How can I attract Red Tailed Black Bumblebees to my garden?
Plant a variety of nectar-rich flowers, avoid pesticides, and create undisturbed nesting areas.
This guide provides a detailed look at one of the UK’s most important bumblebee species. By learning to recognize and protect them, we can help safeguard the future of pollinators and the ecosystems they support.
