Early bumblebee (Bombus pratorum)
Early bumblebee (Bombus pratorum)
Early Bumblebee – Characteristics & Life Cycle
Discover Bombus pratorum: appearance, life cycle, diet, and tips on how to support this early-flying bumblebee in your garden.
Profile
Bombus pratorum queens reach 15–17 mm, while workers and males grow up to about 14 mm.
Its yellow thoracic collar and reddish third abdominal segment are distinctive.
Active from March to July, overwintering as young queens in the soil.
Diet: pollen and nectar from more than 130 flower species
Nest: above or below ground in hedges, wall crevices, or hollow logs
Range: throughout Europe (except Iberia), from coastal areas to alpine meadows
Scientific name: Bombus pratorum
Common name (German): Wiesenhummel (early bumblebee)
Family: Apidae
Proboscis length: 8–14 mm
Generations: one per year
Colony size: up to 120 individuals
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Appearance
- Identification Features
- Diet
- Reproduction & Life Cycle
- Seasonal Behavior
- Habitat & Distribution
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Introduction
The early bumblebee, Bombus pratorum, is among the first bumblebees to appear in spring. Recognizable by its bright yellow and reddish markings, it nests in hedges, wall crevices, or hollow logs. This article explains how to identify it and support it in your garden.
Appearance
Slender and finely haired, it shows a bright yellow collar on the thorax and first abdominal segment, plus a reddish third tergite. The rest of the abdomen is dark. The wings are translucent gray, and the proboscis measures 8–14 mm.
Identification Features
- Yellow collar on thorax & second tergite
- Reddish third tergite
- Slender, somewhat flattened body shape
- Proboscis: 8–14 mm
- Pollen baskets: dense hair tufts on the hind legs
Diet
Bombus pratorum is a generalist, visiting over 130 flower species. These include primroses, clovers, bellflowers, mints, and daisies. It collects nectar and pollen using its proboscis and hind-leg brushes.
Reproduction & Life Cycle
- Nest founding (March): a young queen selects sites in hedges, wall crevices, or hollow logs.
- Brood care: eggs laid in single cells, warmed by the queen’s muscle vibrations.
- Worker phase (from April): first workers take over nest care and foraging.
- Colony growth: by early summer, nests may hold up to 120 individuals.
- Reproduction (May–July): males and new queens emerge; only queens overwinter.
Seasonal Behavior
Queens may fly even at around 0 °C. Workers become active from about 5 °C. Colonies decline by late July, when young queens leave to find soil burrows for hibernation.
Habitat & Distribution
Bombus pratorum occurs across most of Europe except the Iberian Peninsula. It thrives in meadows, parks, woodland edges, and gardens with abundant flowers, and can be found up to 1,500 m elevation.
FAQ
- Spring flower mix: sow primroses, dead-nettles, and sage to provide early pollen.
- Nest site protection: preserve dry wall crevices, stone piles, and hollow logs.
- Water supply: shallow trays with pebbles provide safe drinking spots.
FAQ
- How can I recognize Bombus pratorum?
By its yellow thoracic collar and reddish third abdominal segment. - When is the best observation time?
April and May, when colonies are growing. - How can I support it?
By planting diverse flowers, protecting nest sites, and offering water sources. - Does it cause damage?
No, it is a harmless pollinator. - How does it overwinter?
Young queens hide in soil cavities or abandoned burrows until spring.
Conclusion
With flower-rich areas, safe nesting sites, and water availability, you can create ideal conditions for the early bumblebee and increase biodiversity in your garden.
