IRed-Tailed Bumble Bee > Bombus lapidarius

Description: The queens of this common and widespread species are large and mainly black with a rusty red tail. Queens often emerge from hibernation 3 to 4 weeks later than those of the white-tailed bumble bee and buff-tailed bumble bee. Workers have a similar colour pattern to queens and appear from mid to late May. Males of this species are distinguished from queens and workers by the presence of a tuft of yellow hair on their face. (Male pictured left) Commonly seen in gardens and hedgerows, the red-tailed bumble bee often nests under stones or slabs. This species is unlikely to sting unless its nest is endangered. However, red-tailed bumble bees will often fly menacingly around the heads of intruders, in an attempt to prevent damage to their nests. Return to Bees Index Return to Main Index flower, flowers, wild, wildflowers, countryside, seeds, gardening, lawns, shrubs, trees, flowers, cultivate, garden, hedgerows