An Overview of the Common Carder Bee in the UK
The Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum)
One of the UK’s most familiar bumblebee species. It plays an essential role in pollination. Recognizable by its orange-brown thorax, this bee appears in gardens, parks, and meadows. Unlike other bumblebees, it has no distinct stripes on its abdomen.
The Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) is one of the UK’s most familiar bumblebee species. It plays an essential role in pollination. Recognizable by its orange-brown thorax, this bee appears in gardens, parks, and meadows. Unlike other bumblebees, it has no distinct stripes on its abdomen.
The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 1185343.
The National Beekeeping Centre, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG | 024 7669 6679 https://www.bbka.org.uk
Physical Characteristics of the Common Carder Bee
The Common Carder Bee has a furry, ginger-coloured body. Its thorax is orange-brown, while its abdomen is often darker. Worker bees are smaller than queens but share the same colour pattern. Males usually have longer antennae and smaller bodies than females.
Habitat and Distribution
This bee is widespread across the UK, including urban and rural areas. It thrives in diverse environments such as gardens, grasslands, and coastal areas. It nests above ground, often in grass tussocks or piles of moss. Unlike many bumblebees, it is adaptable and finds food in various habitats.
Common Carder Bee Behaviour and Diet
The Bee is active from March to October. It forages on a wide variety of flowers, including clover, lavender, and thistles. This bee collects nectar for energy and pollen to feed its larvae. Unlike solitary bees, it lives in colonies that consist of queens, workers, and males.
Lifecycle
The queen emerges in early spring to find a nesting site. She lays eggs and raises the first workers. Workers then take over foraging and brood care. New queens and males appear later in summer, ensuring the continuation of the species. The colony dies in autumn, leaving only new queens to hibernate.
Conservation Status
The Common Carder Bee is not currently endangered in the UK. However, habitat loss and pesticide use threaten its population. Supporting biodiversity and planting bee-friendly flowers can help sustain this species. Reducing chemical use in gardens also contributes to its survival.
Conclusion
This bee is vital to the UK’s ecosystem as a pollinator. Its adaptability helps it thrive in different habitats. Protecting this species ensures the health of ecosystems and biodiversity in the UK.