About Red-tailed Bumblebee
A jet-black bumblebee with a vivid orange-red tail that is unmistakable in flight. It commonly nests underground in old mouse burrows and stone walls.
Did You Know?
Its nest name 'lapidarius' means 'of stones' because it often nests beneath rocks and walls.
How to Identify Red-tailed Bumblebee
Red-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Apidae. Adults typically measure 11-22 mm.
Red-tailed Bumblebee Habitat
Red-tailed Bumblebee is found in grasslands habitats, particularly across Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Red-tailed Bumblebee Diet and Feeding
Red-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 Red-tailed Bumblebee Found?
Red-tailed Bumblebee can be found in Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe, where it inhabits grasslands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Red-tailed Bumblebee can be found
Is Red-tailed Bumblebee Dangerous?
Red-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.
Red-tailed Bumblebee Role in Nature
Red-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 Red-tailed Bumblebee
What does Red-tailed Bumblebee look like?
The Red-tailed Bumblebee typically measures 11-22 mm.
Where is Red-tailed Bumblebee found?
The Red-tailed Bumblebee is found in Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe and typically inhabits grasslands environments.
What does Red-tailed Bumblebee eat?
The Red-tailed Bumblebee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Red-tailed Bumblebee dangerous to humans?
The Red-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 Red-tailed Bumblebee?
Its nest name 'lapidarius' means 'of stones' because it often nests beneath rocks and walls.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Red-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/red-tailed-bumblebee
MLA:
"Red-tailed Bumblebee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/red-tailed-bumblebee.