Buff-tailed Bumblebee | Garden Junkie

Scientific Name: Bombus terrestris

Species: Bee

The Buff-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) is one of the most common bumblebee species in the UK. Known for its large size and distinctive buff-coloured tail, this bee plays a crucial role in pollinating various plants. They are social insects, living in colonies led by a queen, and are highly adaptable to different environments.

Conservation Status:

While the Buff-tailed Bumblebee is currently not considered endangered in the UK, it faces challenges common to many pollinators. Habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change pose threats to their populations. Conservation efforts focus on preserving wildflower meadows and promoting bee-friendly gardening practices to support this and other bumblebee species.

About:

Buff-tailed Bumblebees are known for their industrious nature and ability to pollinate a wide range of plants. They are particularly valued in agriculture for their effectiveness in pollinating crops like tomatoes and soft fruits. These bees can be active in cooler temperatures compared to some other species, making them important early pollinators in the UK’s spring season.

How to Identify:

Identifying a Buff-tailed Bumblebee can be tricky, as they closely resemble White-tailed Bumblebees. Look for a yellow band on the thorax and abdomen, with a buff or off-white tail. Queens are larger and have more orange-toned tails, while workers and males have a whiter tail. The species is also characterised by a ‘single’ black band between the yellow bands on the abdomen.

Nesting:

Buff-tailed Bumblebees typically nest underground, often utilising abandoned rodent burrows or spaces beneath garden sheds. A colony can contain up to 350 workers and produce new queens and males in late summer. These bees are known for their ability to nest in diverse locations, including compost heaps, bird boxes, and even cavities within buildings.

When to See:

In the UK, Buff-tailed Bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) can be seen almost year-round, especially in urban areas. Queens emerge from hibernation in early spring, often as early as February. Workers are active throughout summer, while new queens and males appear in late summer and autumn. In some southern parts of the UK, colonies may remain active through mild winters.

Distribution:

The Buff-tailed Bumblebee is widely distributed across the UK, found in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. They are particularly common in southern England but have expanded their range northward in recent years. This species is also native to much of Europe and has been introduced to other parts of the world for commercial pollination.

Habitats:

These adaptable bees thrive in various habitats, including gardens, parks, farmland, and urban areas. They are frequently found in flower-rich environments such as meadows, hedgerows, and woodland edges. Buff-tailed Bumblebees are also common visitors to domestic gardens, where they forage on a wide variety of flowers, both native and ornamental.

Did You Know Fact:

Buff-tailed Bumblebees have a unique ability called “buzz pollination,” where they vibrate their flight muscles to shake pollen from flowers. They are one of the few bee species that can sometimes produce two generations in a year in the UK, particularly in urban areas with milder temperatures. Interestingly, some Buff-tailed Bumblebee queens skip hibernation in warmer regions, establishing winter-active colonies.