Common carder bumblebee  (Bombus pascuorum)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Threats

Although this species is not currently threatened in Britain, many British bumblebee species have undergone a worrying decline, largely as a result of changes in agricultural practices leading to a loss of open habitats and important food plants (5). Agricultural changes, such as the widespread switch from hay meadows to silage production have greatly affected bumblebees throughout Britain. Silage is made from grass treated with fertilisers and cut regularly through the year; grasses treated in this way are poor in flowers needed by bees (6). The common carder bumblebee is at risk from mowing and ploughing due to its surface-nesting habits (2).

Conservation

Concern over the decline of our bumblebee populations has caused steps to be taken. Research into the habitat requirements and ecology of Britain’s native bumblebees is on-going. English Nature has produced a leaflet called “Help Save The Bumblebee…Get More Buzz from Your Garden”, which includes advice on how to make your garden attractive to bumblebees (7).

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