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Bilberry bumblebee

Bombus monticola

A very big red tail. No yellow abdomen band.
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Queen

Yellow face
Yellow collar
Thin yellow rear band
Big red tail

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April

Worker

Yellow face
Yellow collar
Thin yellow rear band
Big red tail

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May

Male

Yellow face
Yellow collar
Thin yellow rear band
Big red tail

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July/August
  • Very big red tail covers over half the abdomen
  • Males are quite fluffy!
Bumblebee
Red Tail
Less Common
Localised
Not Applicable
Bumblebee
Red Tail
Less Common
Localised
Not Applicable

Bilberry bumblebee

Bombus monticola

Found on upland moorlands, mountains and grasslands.
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Likes moorlands, heathlands and grasslands.

  • Bilberry
  • Bird’s-foot trefoils
  • Clovers
  • Heathers
  • Raspberries
crocus Crocus
lavendar Lavendar
thistle Thistle

Nest

  • Ground surface in tussocky grass
  • Just below the ground surface
  • 1 colony cycle per year
  • Around 50-70 workers

Distribution

  • Less common
  • Localised
  • Found in north and west of England and Scotland on high ground