BUFF-TAILED BUMBLEBEE
The buff-tailed bumblebee is one of the most numerous bumblebee species in Europe. The queen (21mm long), resides over her colony, mating with just one male. The unfertile females (11mm to 17mm long), or workers learn flower colours and so forage more efficiently. The buff-tailed workers are similar in appearance to the white-tailed workers, although the yellow bands are darker on the buff-tails.
The nests of buff-tailed bumblebees are usually found underground, using old rodent dens and other abandoned holes. Colonies form comb-like nest structures with egg cells each containing several eggs. The queen will produce between 300 and 400 bees on average. Most foraging for nectar and pollen takes place between 7am and 8am and the bumblebees seem to prefer plants with yellow or blue flowers, apart from the ones that like white flowers!
