Bombus terrestris (buff tailed bumble bee)

• 18 Apr, 2013
• 14 likes

Bombus terrestris one of our largest bumble bees and often the first to appear.
Judging by size and colour - a queen. She visited every single crocus head in this pot - including the dead ones, she manipulated the dying flower heads open with her legs.
In the early days of the nest it is estimated that a Bombus terrestris queen may have to visit as many as 6000 flowers per day in order to get enough nectar to maintain the heat needed to brood her eggs. And during every foraging trip the brood will cool down, so the trips should be short. This is why it is vital that the nest is located close to rewarding flowers.