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Tree Bumblebee

Bombus hypnorum

Basic Information

Common name: Tree Bumblebee
Scientific name: Bombus hypnorum

Ginger thorax, white tail.

Likes brambles.

Classification

Bee TypeBumblebee
StatusCommon
Cuckoo StatusNon-cuckoo
DistributionWidespread
Tail ColourWhite Tail

Keynotes

• Can look quite dark. • Has a black form but always has a white tail. • Likes to nest high up in trees, bird boxes and house eaves. • Groups of males fly around the entrance to the nest.

Nest Information

• Above ground. • Under roofs, in bird boxes and trees. • Usually have 2 nest cycles per year. • Last 2-3 months. • Around 150 workers.

Distribution

  • Common.
  • Widespread.
  • Likes gardens, urban areas and woodlands.

Castes

QUEEN

February
QUEEN diagram
No Photo
Ginger thorax Black abdomen White tail
Tail:White Tail
Thorax:All Ginger
Abdomen:Black / White Tail
Head:Black Head

WORKER

March
WORKER diagram
No Photo
Ginger thorax Black abdomen White tail
Tail:White Tail
Thorax:All Ginger
Abdomen:Black / White Tail
Head:Black Head

MALE

May
MALE diagram
No Photo
Ginger thorax Black abdomen White tail
Tail:White Tail
Thorax:All Ginger
Abdomen:Black / White Tail
Head:Black Head

Flower Preferences

Likes brambles and raspberries.

  • Brambles
  • Ceanothus
  • Comfrey
  • Cotoneaster
  • Open roses
  • Prunus
  • Pyracantha
  • Raspberries
  • Sallow
  • Teasel
  • Thistle
  • White dead-nettle