Early Bumblebee

Bombus pratorum

This common species begins to emerge in March. Due to its small size and colouration, the Early Bumblebee is fairly easy to identify. The workers typically range from 10 to 14 mm in length, while males measure between 11 and 13 mm. Queens measure from 15 to 17 mm. The front of the thorax is typically covered with yellow hairs. The first segment of the abdomen is also often yellow, although the yellow hairs can sometimes be missing. The tail is distinctly orange. In older specimens, the colouration may become duller. Nests are short-lived, averaging around 14 weeks. There may be two or three colonies each year. New queens typically do not hibernate but instead begin a nest immediately. A nest may contain a varying number of individuals, generally ranging from 50 to 120.