Invertebrates
Garden Bumblebee
Bombus hortorum
Deep inside a foxglove bell, a garden bumblebee extends its long tongue to the nectar, its long face pushing into the flower’s throat.
Overview
The garden bumblebee, Bombus hortorum, is a widespread long-tongued bumblebee of gardens, meadows, and hedgerows across Europe and northern Asia. Its long face, deep-flower feeding, and three yellow bands make it one of the best-adapted pollinators of tubular flowers.
A bee with a long reach
Many deep flowers have evolved to be pollinated by long-tongued bees such as the garden bumblebee, which can reach nectar that short-tongued species can only steal.
Status
Least Concern, widespread and common.
Garden Bumblebee: common questions
Why does the garden bumblebee have a long face?
Its long face houses one of the longest tongues of any European bumblebee, which lets it reach the nectar in deep, tubular flowers.
What flowers does it prefer?
It feeds from deep flowers such as foxgloves, honeysuckle, comfrey, and red clover.
Where does it nest?
It nests in tussocks of long grass, in old rodent holes, and under garden sheds and compost heaps.
Where is the garden bumblebee found?
It lives in gardens, meadows, hedgerows, and heaths across Europe and northern Asia.