Large Earth Bumblebee Collection

Buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) flying to Oriental poppy (Papaver orientale) Monmouthshire, Wales, UK. July

Buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) queen about to land at her nest burrow in a garden lawn with loaded pollen sacs to provision grubs that will become future workers for her colony, Wiltshire

Buff tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) flying to Clover (Trifolium sp. ), Monmouthshire
Buff tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) flying to Clover (Trifolium sp.), Monmouthshire, Wales, UK, June

Buff-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) worker feeding on Ox-eye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare). Peak District National Park, Derbyshire, UK. July

Buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) visiting flower of Dittany (Dictamnus albus), Umbria, Italy. May

Buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) on flower petal, Vendee, France, August

Bumblebee (probably Bombus terrestris) visiting flowers of Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) in a restored wildflower meadow, near Bristol, UK, June

Banded Krait, 1833-39 (coloured engraving)
999100 Banded Krait, 1833-39 (coloured engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Dictionnaire pittoresque d histoire naturelle et des phenomAnes de la natureA)

Buff tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) queen nectaring on Rhododendron (Rhododendron sp), pollen from anthers on backside and legs. Surrey, England, UK. March

Close up of Buff-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) feeding at a flower (Aster sp), Monmouthshire, Wales, UK. September

Buff tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) visiting Clover (Trifolium) flower in unmown lawn, Monmouthshire, Wales, UK. June

Bumblebee drinking. Buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) drinking rainwater off a leaf. An orange mite is visible on its thorax. Photographed in Italy

Bumblebee resting on a bluebell. Close-up of a buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) on a common bluebell (Endymion non-scriptus) flower

Bumblebee on sea squill flowers
Bumblebee on sea sea squill flowers. Large earth bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) collecting nectar from flowers of the sea squill (Urginea maritima) plant. Photographed in Israel, in September

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The large earth bumblebee, also known as the Buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris), is a fascinating insect that can be found in various locations around the world. From flying to Oriental poppies (Papaver orientale) to visiting flowers of Dittany (Dictamnus albus) in Umbria, Italy, these bees are always on the move. One captivating sight is witnessing a Buff-tailed bumblebee queen about to land at her nest burrow. These industrious creatures work tirelessly to create their homes and ensure the survival of their colony. Similarly, seeing a worker bee flying back to its burrow on a chalk grassland hillside with loaded pollen sacs showcases their dedication to providing for their young. These bees have an important role as pollinators and play a crucial part in maintaining biodiversity. Whether it's nectaring on Rhododendron (Rhododendron sp) or feeding at an Aster flower, they contribute significantly to plant reproduction and ecosystem balance. In Monmouthshire, Wales, one might catch sight of a Buff-tailed bumblebee gracefully flying towards Clover (Trifolium sp. ). Their vibrant colors against the green backdrop make for quite a picturesque scene. The same can be said when they visit flowers of Sainfoin or Ox-eye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), adding beauty and life wherever they go. Even though these bees may seem small compared to other creatures like the Banded Krait snake depicted in 1833-39 colored engravings, their impact cannot be underestimated, and are essential components of our natural world and deserve our admiration and protection. So next time you spot a Buff-tailed bumblebee buzzing around your garden or exploring wild landscapes like Vendee in France or Marlborough Downs in Wiltshire, take a moment to appreciate these incredible insects and the vital role they play in our environment.