Buff-tailed Bumblebee vs Large Scabious Mining Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Buff-tailed Bumblebee Large Scabious Mining Bee
Scientific Name Bombus terrestris Andrena hattorfiana
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Apidae Andrenidae
Size 11-22 mm 14-17 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Nectar Feeders Pollen Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia, Africa Europe
Conservation Least Concern Vulnerable

Buff-tailed Bumblebee

A large, familiar bumblebee with black fur, a yellow collar, a yellow abdominal band, and a distinctive buff-white tail. It is one of the most important commercial pollinators in Europe.

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Did You Know?

This bumblebee can learn to pull strings to access food and then teach the technique to other bees, demonstrating a form of cultural transmission.

Large Scabious Mining Bee

One of the largest European mining bees with a striking red abdomen loaded with pink pollen. It is a specialist of field scabious flowers.

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Did You Know?

Females can carry a huge ball of bright pink scabious pollen on their hind legs that is visible from several meters away.