Large garden bumblebee  (Bombus ruderatus)

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

Description

In comparison with other bumblebee species, the large garden or ruderal bumblebee, has a long face and tongue; these are adaptations for feeding on long-tubed flowers (4). They are black, with two yellow bands on the thorax, a single yellow band on the abdomen and a white tail (5). In Britain, a totally black form known as variety harrisellus may arise (4). All castes are similar in appearance to the garden bumblebee (Bombus hortorum), but tend to have a much 'neater', short-haired appearance (2).

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