Buff-Tailed Bumblebee
Bombus terrestris
Buff-Tailed Bumblebee
2010-04-28 (24) Erdhummel, Buff-tailes bumblebee, Bombus terrestris by Vera Buhl (CC BY-SA 3.0)
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2010-04-28 (24) Erdhummel, Buff-tailes bumblebee, Bombus terrestris by Vera Buhl (CC BY-SA 3.0)
1 of 7
Bombus terrestris, or the Buff-Tailed Bumblebee, is a widespread, common insect. They're one of two sub-species, frequent in parks and gardens across Europe.
They're a social bee, building nests containing several hundred individuals. They're capable of 'buzz' pollination, vibrating the flight muscles to remove pollen firmly attached to antlers.
Traits

Can 'Buzz' pollinate plants.

Invasive in some parts of the world.
Appearance
Adults: These bees belong to the group of white-tailed species, but as the name suggests, the tail is not entirely white, being more cream in colour.
A queen is most likely seen in spring when searching for nest sites. She's large (2cm) with black and golden yellow banding, with a creamy-white tail (buff colour).
Workers and male drones vary between 1.4- 1.7cm, but their banding follows the same pattern.
Tip: the slight brown tinge to the tail colour may differentiate this bee from a white-tailed bumblebee.
Activity
Diurnal
Personality
Order
Hymenoptera
Family
Apidae
Metamorphosis
Complete
Distribution
Europe, New Zealand and parts of North America
Biological treatment
Bees can provide ecosystem services which are vital in sustaining a healthy environment!
Attract them to your garden by planting an array of native bee-friendly plants, trees and bushes.
Plant for each season.
Reduce pesticides and herbicides, or stop using them altogether.
Strim and mow lawns less often when less is in bloom.
Chemical treatment
It is not recommended to treat flowering garden plants where bees are present.