Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Bombus terrestris
This record describes Bombus terrestris (species). Recorded family: Apidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Possibly the earliest bee to be seen and the largest to visit gardens. The queen is 2 cm or more, the workers and drones are of a more common bumblebee size: 14 to 17 mm in length. Whilst similar to Bombus lucorum , queens can be distinguished by the more golden yellow bands, compared to the lemon yellow of B. lucorum . However workers are generally indistinguishable in the field. Sometimes British specimens have a buff or orangey tail, which helps with identification. Workers of Buff-tailed Bumblebees and White-tailed Bumblebees can be almost impossible to tell apart. Unless it is a very clear example then record as White/Buff-tailed Bumblebee Workers - Bombus lucorum/terrestris . Nests in the ground, usually using an empty mouse nest. In western Europe a 100 bees occupying one nest may be considered the minimum and bigger nests may consist of no less than 600 bees. The younger queens are the only ones to hibernate through the winter. A common bee throughout Britain, although outside of England most records seem to be coastal.
Wikipedia reference for Bombus terrestris: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombus_terrestris.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Apidae
- Genus
- Bombus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Gardens, parks etc.
Seasonal Activity
February/March to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Nests in the ground, usually using an empty mouse nest. In western Europe a 100 bees occupying one nest may be considered the minimum and bigger nests may consist of no less than 600 bees. The younger queens are the only ones to hibernate through the winter.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A common bee throughout Britain, although outside of England most records seem to be coastal.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Bombus terrestris. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Buff-tailed Bumblebee (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Buff-tailed Bumblebee
What is Buff-tailed Bumblebee?
Buff-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) is a species in the family Apidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Buff-tailed Bumblebee?
14 to 17 mm in length. Whilst similar to
Where is Buff-tailed Bumblebee found?
Habitat: Gardens, parks etc.
When is Buff-tailed Bumblebee active?
Buff-tailed Bumblebee: seasonal activity - February/March to October..
What is the life cycle of a Buff-tailed Bumblebee?
Nests in the ground, usually using an empty mouse nest. In western Europe a 100 bees occupying one nest may be considered the minimum and bigger nests may consist of no less than 600 bees. The younger queens are the only ones to hibernate through the winter.