Bumblebees live in hollow spaces underground where they will raise larvae and store food. Unlike honeybees, bumblebees store only a few day's food and so are much more vulnerable to food shortages. Bumblebee nests are typically used only for one year.1
Bumblebees are in danger in many developed countries due to habitat destruction and collateral pesticide damage.
In Britain, there are 21 species of native bumblebee and six varieties of cuckoo bees - bees that dupe other bumblebees into looking after their young. Of these, only six bumblebees remain widespread. Five are in serious decline and at least three are extinct. 1
Common species of Bumblebee include:
See also: bees, how to tell bees from wasps
1 "Bumblebee Shortage", Bee Culture, July 2003, pg 59, Alan Harman
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