ExploreInsects

White-tailed Bumble Bee

Bombus lucorum

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

Habitat: Gardens

Appearance

The White-tailed Bumble Bee has a stout, fuzzy body adorned with distinct black and bright yellow bands. Its most distinguishing feature is the pure white 'tail' or tip of its abdomen, which clearly contrasts with its black midsection, making it easily identifiable from similar species.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyApidaeGenusBombus
White-tailed Bumble Bee
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White-tailed Bumble Bee

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A single queen can start a brand-new colony all by herself!

Bumble bees are super important for pollinating many of our favorite berries!

They navigate using invisible patterns of light in the sky, like a secret map!

They often make their cozy nests underground, sometimes in old mouse holes.

Special abilities

Ability

Buzz Pollination Power

White-tailed Bumble Bee can 'buzz pollinate' by vibrating its flight muscles, releasing pollen from flowers that other bees can't access.

Ability

Internal Thermostat

White-tailed Bumble Bee has the ability to shiver its flight muscles, warming its body to fly and forage even on cool mornings.

Ability

Long-Tongue Feeder

White-tailed Bumble Bee has a long proboscis (tongue) that helps it reach nectar deep inside tubular flowers, accessing food others miss.

Ability

Navigation Navigator

White-tailed Bumble Bee can use the sun's position and polarized light to accurately find its way back to the nest.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
25-40 mm
Size
11-22 mm
Lifespan
14-28 days
Flight Speed
20 km/h
Leg Count
6
Colony Size
400

Diet & Feeding

They sip sugary nectar for energy and gather protein-rich pollen for their babies.

Primary Foods

  • nectar
  • pollen
  • clover flowers
  • thistle flowers
  • heather flowers

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

White-tailed Bumblebee

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 White-tailed Bumble Bee's wingspan?

25-40 mm

How big is White-tailed Bumble Bee?

11-22 mm

How long does White-tailed Bumble Bee live?

14-28 days

How fast can White-tailed Bumble Bee fly?

20 km/h

What does White-tailed Bumble Bee eat?

They sip sugary nectar for energy and gather protein-rich pollen for their babies.

Where is White-tailed Bumble Bee usually found?

Gardens

How does White-tailed Bumble Bee hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does White-tailed Bumble Bee have?

6

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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