Red tailed bumblebee, Sheringham, Les Fisher 1/2
Red tailed bumblebee, Sheringham, Les Fisher 2/2

Red Tailed Bumblebee Bombus lapidarius

A social bumblebee; the red tailed bumblebee lives in colonies containing three distinct subgroups of bee, known as castes: the queen, the workers and the males (or drones). Red tailed bumblebees are common throughout Norfolk and are named for the orange-red colour on the bottom of their thorax.

Conservation status

Five species of bumblebee, which twenty years ago were classed as widespread and common are now endangered. The red-tailed bumblebee remains widespread.

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Details

Did you know?

Wild bumblebees are essential to the pollination of many crop species. When workers are out foraging, it is sometimes possible to see their bright yellow pollen baskets on the top of their hindlegs. This is where the pollen is collected so that they can bring it back to the colony.

 

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