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.

Range

This is one of a number of our native bumblebees that has undergone a dramatic and sustained decline in both numbers and range. This bee was very common in southern England at the beginning of the 20th century, but by the 1970s it was scarce. Recent research has only identified populations in East Anglia (6). It has not been recorded in Wales since 1960, and is absent from Scotland. Although widespread throughout Europe it is in decline (3). It was introduced to New Zealand from Britain, and has also been introduced to South America (5).

Habitat

Found in a range of open, flower-rich habitats, including coastal dunes, saltmarsh margins and shingle, grasslands, and occasionally gardens. In all cases, it requires very large expanses of suitable habitat to support viable populations (4).

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