Early Bumblebee

Bombus pratorum

Family Apidae:

A very large family of bees, with just under 6000 species (5700 according to Wikipedia) recorded globally. In Great Britain the Apidae include 34 Nomad Bees, 2 Variegated Cuckoo Bees, 2 Long-horned Bees, 5 Flower Bees, 2 Mourning Bees 2 (1 may be extinct), 1 Small Carpenter Bee, 27 Bumblebees and 1 Honey bee species (1*).

Early Bumblebee – Bombus pratorum:

A social insect, nesting either below, upon or above ground (including in old birds nests). Common in the UK and very common in Bristol. The males can be striking to view when fresh, with very vivid colouration. But the bright yellow of all castes make this species obvious once you’ve seen a few.

In the Garden

We see this species all the time. We don’t believe it has ever nested with us and is likely only a visitor. The males in particular liking the knapweed we have introduced.

Ref 1* Falk, S. (2016) Field Guide to the Bees of Great Britain and Ireland. London: Bloomsbury Publishing plc.