Scientific name: Bombus
Size: Up to 25mm
Distribution: Found throughout the U.K.
Months seen: February to October.
Life Span: Approximately 9 to 12 months
Habitat: Meadows, parks, gardens, orchards and farmland.
Special features: There are six species of bumblebee commonly seen in UK gardens, but 25 species of bumble bee have been recorded in the U.K. Although they are quite large insects they are relatively harmless, and will only sting if provoked. Bumblebees make a distinctive buzzing sound as they fly.
Male bumblebees survive until late autumn and then die off with the onset of winter. Mated females hibernate through the winter and emerge in February. Their first priority is to find food and a nest site to lay their eggs.
Bumble bees feed on pollen and nectar. The pollen provides them with proteins and the nectar supplies them with sugar for energy. As they feed, they perform a vital role in pollinating many plants and trees.
Bumblebees frequently nest in holes in sand banks, or in old mouse holes (which often have the added luxury of old mouse bedding).
Bumblebees are social insects, and a nest, or colony, may contain around 200 bees. This is quite small in comparison to honey bee nests, which can have 100,000 bees.