




Bombus terrestris
The Buff-tailed Bumble Bee is a fuzzy, friendly insect that helps flowers grow by spreading pollen. They are often seen buzzing around gardens and fields, making them important for nature!
Habitat: Gardens
The Buff-tailed Bumble Bee has a distinctive black body with two bright yellow bands across its thorax and one on the abdomen. Its most striking feature is a prominent buff or orangey-brown tail, which sets it apart from similar black and yellow bumblebees.





Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
A queen bumblebee can live for a whole year, hibernating alone underground!
Bumble bees can fly to high altitudes, even over mountains like the Himalayas!
Their wings beat super fast, over 200 times per second to keep them flying!
They have five eyes – two large compound eyes and three tiny ones on top!
Buff-tailed Bumble Bees can vibrate their flight muscles to release pollen from flowers, which helps them collect more food.
Buff-tailed Bumble Bees can shiver their flight muscles to warm up, allowing them to fly in cooler weather than many other insects.
Buff-tailed Bumble Bees can see ultraviolet light, which helps them spot hidden patterns on flowers to guide them to nectar.
They sip sweet nectar from flowers for energy and collect pollen for protein to feed their babies.

Trifolium pratense
Vital for reproduction by moving pollen.

Digitalis purpurea
Helps this tall flower make new seeds.

Merops apiaster
A colorful bird that catches bees mid-air.
Bombus vestalis
Takes over their nests to lay its own eggs.
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Bumble bees are usually friendly, but it's best to stay calm and not swat at them.
38-46 mm
11-22 mm
14-365 days
15 km/h
They sip sweet nectar from flowers for energy and collect pollen for protein to feed their babies.
Gardens
Foraging
6
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

England, UK
You might spot Red Admiral, Large Red Damselfly, and Blue Emperor.
View guide →

England, UK
You might spot Cinnabar Moth, Common Moorhen, and Marmalade Hover Fly.
View guide →

England, UK
You might spot Ring-Necked Pheasant, Goose, and Eurasian Coot.
View guide →