ExploreInsects

Early Bumble Bee

Bombus pratorum

The Early Bumble Bee is a fuzzy little insect that loves to buzz around flowers. They help plants grow by spreading pollen, making them super important for nature!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Early Bumble Bee is a relatively small, fuzzy bumblebee with a black body, a distinct yellow band around its 'neck', and a bright orange-red tail. Some individuals may also have a yellow band on their abdomen. This striking color combination helps distinguish it from other bumblebee species.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyApidaeGenusBombus
Early Bumble Bee
furry trait badgesocial trait badgegrassland trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Early Bumble Bee

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Early Bumble Bees have five eyes: two big ones for sight and three tiny ones on top of their head!

The queen is the only Early Bumble Bee who lives through winter to start a whole new family in spring!

Their tiny antennae are super sensitive and can smell amazing flowers from far away!

They build a waxy 'honey pot' inside their nest to store lots of delicious nectar for rainy days.

Special abilities

Ability

Buzz Pollinator

Early Bumble Bee can vibrate flowers at a special frequency to release pollen that helps them get more food for the colony.

Ability

Chilly Flyer

Early Bumble Bee can fly in cooler spring weather because their fuzzy bodies and shivering muscles help them stay warm.

Ability

Nectar Backpack

Early Bumble Bee has a special 'honey stomach' to carry nectar back to their nest that helps feed hungry larvae and other bees.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
15-30 mm
Size
9-17 mm
Lifespan
20-200 days
Flight Speed
18 km/h
Leg Count
6
Colony Size
120

Diet & Feeding

Early Bumble Bees sip nectar for energy and collect pollen for protein from many types of flowers.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Pollen
  • Willow
  • Comfrey
  • Red Clover
  • Fruit tree blossoms

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

pollinates

Goat Willow

Salix caprea

An early source of nectar and pollen.

pollinates

Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

A popular flower for long-tongued bumblebees.

eaten by

European Badger

Meles meles

Badgers may dig up nests for larvae and honey.

parasitizes

Forest Cuckoo Bumblebee

Bombus sylvestris

Lays eggs in their nests, letting hosts raise young.

Traits

Also known as

Early Bumblebee

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Be gentle and calm around bees; they usually won't sting unless they feel scared.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Early Bumble Bee's wingspan?

15-30 mm

How big is Early Bumble Bee?

9-17 mm

How long does Early Bumble Bee live?

20-200 days

How fast can Early Bumble Bee fly?

18 km/h

What does Early Bumble Bee eat?

Early Bumble Bees sip nectar for energy and collect pollen for protein from many types of flowers.

Where is Early Bumble Bee usually found?

Grasslands

How does Early Bumble Bee hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Early Bumble Bee have?

6

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