About 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.
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.
How to Identify Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Buff-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Apidae. Adults typically measure 11-22 mm.
Buff-tailed Bumblebee Habitat
Buff-tailed Bumblebee is found in farmland habitats, particularly across Europe, Asia, Africa. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Buff-tailed Bumblebee Diet and Feeding
Buff-tailed Bumblebee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Buff-tailed Bumblebee Found?
Buff-tailed Bumblebee can be found in Europe, Asia, Africa, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Buff-tailed Bumblebee can be found
Is Buff-tailed Bumblebee Dangerous?
Buff-tailed Bumblebee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Buff-tailed Bumblebee Role in Nature
Buff-tailed Bumblebee plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Buff-tailed Bumblebee
What does Buff-tailed Bumblebee look like?
The Buff-tailed Bumblebee typically measures 11-22 mm.
Where is Buff-tailed Bumblebee found?
The Buff-tailed Bumblebee is found in Europe, Asia, Africa and typically inhabits farmland environments.
What does Buff-tailed Bumblebee eat?
The Buff-tailed Bumblebee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Buff-tailed Bumblebee dangerous to humans?
The Buff-tailed Bumblebee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.
What is an interesting fact about Buff-tailed Bumblebee?
This bumblebee can learn to pull strings to access food and then teach the technique to other bees, demonstrating a form of cultural transmission.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Buff-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/buff-tailed-bumblebee
MLA:
"Buff-tailed Bumblebee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/buff-tailed-bumblebee.