ExploreInsects

Red-tailed Bumble Bee

Bombus lapidarius

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

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Red-tailed Bumble Bee has a striking jet-black body, famously contrasted by its vibrant, fiery orange-red tail. Queens and workers are entirely black with this distinctive tail, while males often sport yellow hairs on their face and sometimes the front of their thorax, making them easily identifiable.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyApidaeGenusBombus
Red-tailed Bumble Bee
furry trait badgesocial trait badgegrassland trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Red-tailed Bumble Bee

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Bumble bees visit hundreds of flowers daily, gathering nectar and pollen for their young.

Queens sleep underground all winter, emerging in spring to start new colonies!

Their bright red tail warns predators to stay away, a natural 'do not disturb' sign!

Tiny 'pollen baskets' on their legs help them carry food to the nest!

Special abilities

Ability

Super Pollinator

Red-tailed Bumble Bees can 'buzz pollinate' (sonication), which helps release pollen from certain flowers like tomatoes.

Ability

Excellent Navigator

Red-tailed Bumble Bees have an amazing internal compass that helps them find their way back to the nest.

Ability

Cold Weather Cruiser

Red-tailed Bumble Bees can shiver their flight muscles to warm up, allowing them to forage in cooler temperatures.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
25-45 mm
Size
12-22 mm
Lifespan
20-365 days
Flight Speed
20 km/h
Leg Count
6
Colony Size
300

Diet & Feeding

They drink sweet flower nectar for energy and gather protein-rich pollen for their young.

Primary Foods

  • flower nectar
  • flower pollen
  • tree sap

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

pollinates

Red Clover

Trifolium pratense

An important food source, especially for queens.

pollinates

Foxglove

Digitalis purpurea

They are well-suited to pollinate deep, tubular flowers.

parasitizes

Cuckoo Bumblebee

Bombus vestalis

A 'cuckoo' bee that lays eggs in their nest.

eaten by

Magpie

Pica pica

Birds sometimes prey on foraging bees.

Traits

Also known as

Red-tailed Bumblebee

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Be gentle and stay calm if you see a bee. They usually won't bother you if you don't bother them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Red-tailed Bumble Bee's wingspan?

25-45 mm

How big is Red-tailed Bumble Bee?

12-22 mm

How long does Red-tailed Bumble Bee live?

20-365 days

How fast can Red-tailed Bumble Bee fly?

20 km/h

What does Red-tailed Bumble Bee eat?

They drink sweet flower nectar for energy and gather protein-rich pollen for their young.

Where is Red-tailed Bumble Bee usually found?

Grasslands

How does Red-tailed Bumble Bee hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Red-tailed Bumble Bee have?

6

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