ExploreInsects

Garden Bumble Bee

Bombus hortorum

The Garden Bumble Bee is a fuzzy little insect that loves to visit flowers. They help plants grow by spreading pollen, making them very important for our gardens!

Habitat: Gardens

Appearance

The Garden Bumble Bee has a distinctive long face and a black body with two clear yellow bands, one on its thorax and another at the front of its abdomen. Its tail is a noticeable fluffy white, making it stand out from similar bees.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyApidaeGenusBombus
Garden Bumble Bee
furry trait badgesocial trait badgeherbivorous trait badgepollinator_magnet trait badge
Garden Bumble Bee

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Queens live alone all winter, then start new colonies in spring!

Their wings beat incredibly fast, making their famous buzzing sound!

They navigate using the sun and landmarks, like tiny living maps!

They often nest underground, even using old mouse holes for their home!

Special abilities

Ability

Flower Shaker

Garden Bumble Bee can vibrate its flight muscles to release pollen from flowers, making it easier to collect.

Ability

Cold Weather Flyer

Garden Bumble Bee can shiver its muscles to warm up, allowing it to fly and forage even in cool weather.

Ability

Pollen Packer

Garden Bumble Bee has special 'baskets' on its legs to carry lots of pollen back to its nest.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
25-35 mm
Size
11-18 mm
Lifespan
20-40 days
Flight Speed
18 km/h
Leg Count
6
Colony Size
100

Diet & Feeding

Nectar gives them energy to fly, and pollen helps them grow big and strong!

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Pollen
  • Foxglove nectar
  • Honeysuckle nectar
  • Clover nectar

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Garden Bee

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Bumble bees are usually friendly, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garden Bumble Bee's wingspan?

25-35 mm

How big is Garden Bumble Bee?

11-18 mm

How long does Garden Bumble Bee live?

20-40 days

How fast can Garden Bumble Bee fly?

18 km/h

What does Garden Bumble Bee eat?

Nectar gives them energy to fly, and pollen helps them grow big and strong!

Where is Garden Bumble Bee usually found?

Gardens

How does Garden Bumble Bee hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Garden Bumble Bee have?

6

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

More Insects