Invertebrates
Tree Bumblebee
Bombus hypnorum
In a bird box in a Hampshire garden, a ginger-backed tree bumblebee slips through the entrance hole, carrying pollen back to a nest in the old nesting material.
Overview
The tree bumblebee, Bombus hypnorum, is a Least Concern bumblebee of woodland edges, parks, and gardens across much of Europe and northern Asia, now widespread in Britain. Its ginger-black-white colours and above-ground nesting make it one of the easiest bumblebees to recognise and one of the most successful newcomers to Britain.
A bumblebee that moved in
First recorded in Britain in 2001, the tree bumblebee has since spread across England and Wales, helped by its readiness to nest in bird boxes and buildings.
Status
Least Concern, widespread and common.
Tree Bumblebee: common questions
How can you recognise a tree bumblebee?
It has a ginger-brown thorax, a black abdomen, and a clean white tail, which together make it easy to tell from other bumblebees.
Where does the tree bumblebee nest?
Unusually for a bumblebee, it nests above ground, in holes in trees, bird boxes, and the roof spaces of buildings.
When did it arrive in Britain?
It was first recorded in Britain in 2001 and spread rapidly, probably crossing from continental Europe.
Where is the tree bumblebee found?
It lives in woodland edges, parks, and gardens across much of Europe and northern Asia, and is now widespread in Britain.