Red-tailed Bumblebee | Garden Junkie

Scientific Name: Bombus lapidarius

Species: Red-tailed Bumblebee (Bumblebee – Solitary)

The Red-tailed Bumblebee, scientifically known as Bombus lapidarius, is from the Apidae family. is a widespread and abundant species found in various habitats across the UK and Central Europe.

Conservation Status:

Widespread and abundant, but faces threats like habitat loss.

About:

This bumblebee is a striking insect, making it easily identifiable in its natural habitat.

How to Identify:

Red-tailed Bumblebees are around 20-22mm in length and are easily identifiable bees in the UK. Look for a black body with a bright red tail (up to 50% of the abdomen).

Both queens and workers share this distinctive appearance, while males have yellow facial hair and bright yellow bands at the front of the thorax.

Nesting:

Builds large underground nests, often containing hundreds of worker bees, being a social, species. Nesting in old burrows and preferring to nest underground, often at the base of dry stone dykes and walls.

When to See:

Active from early spring to late autumn in the UK, and found foraging on a wide variety of flowering plants.

Distribution:

This bumblebee is a widely distributed and plentiful species that can be found in a variety of habitats throughout the UK and a large portion of Central Europe.

Habitats:

This stunning bumble bee can be found in a variety of habitats, including unimproved grasslands, gardens, farmland, and woodland edges. and is commonly observed in England and Wales, with its range expanding northward.

Did You Know Fact:

The red-tailed bumblebee has a medium-sized proboscis, making it particularly effective at reaching nectar in deep flowers.