Insect ð
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Bombus hortorum
| Size | 11â22 mm body About the length of a finger nail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.4 g About the weight of a small raindrop |
| Lifespan | Workers: 2â6 weeks; queens: 1 year |
| Rarity | Common |
| M vs F | Queens are the largest; workers are smaller; males have yellow facial hair and longer antennae |
| Habitat | Gardens, meadows, woodland edges, hedgerows â wherever long-tubed flowers are found |
| Best time | AprilâOctober |
| Conservation | UK: Green LC |
Did you know?
The Garden Bumblebee has the longest tongue of any UK bumblebee â enabling it to reach nectar in deep tubular flowers like foxgloves and honeysuckle that other bees can't access
The Garden Bumblebee has the longest tongue of any UK bumblebee â enabling it to reach nectar in deep tubular flowers like foxgloves and honeysuckle that other bees can't access
More for experts
Bumblebees can 'buzz pollinate' (sonication) â gripping a flower and vibrating their flight muscles at a precise frequency to shake out pollen that's hidden inside closed anthers
Often confused with
White-tailed Bumblebee (shorter face, three yellow bands), Early Bumblebee (smaller, orange-red tail)
White-tailed Bumblebee (shorter face, three yellow bands), Early Bumblebee (smaller, orange-red tail)