Rare bumblebee spotted on wildflowers
Visitors to Norfolk and Cambridgeshire can see Ruderal bumblebees on the reserve at WWT Welney Wetland Centre this summer – a species which is scarce in the UK.
These busy bees are visiting the wildflowers on the reserve collecting nectar. At the same time, they are playing a vital role to the plants by pollinating them. Some members of this species lack the distinctive striping that is normally associated with these insects.
Only three populations of this species were found in Norfolk between 2001-2011. Many bumblebee species have seen a worrying decline in numbers due to threats including changes to modern land uses and farming practices.
Assistant Warden, Joshua Wells said:
‘Ruderal bumblebees have a particularly long tongue, and so feed on flowers such as comfrey, yellow iris and marsh woundwort. They are also well adapted to feeding from red clover, teasel and thistles.
Ruderal bumblebees will be out on the reserve for a few more weeks before the queens start to think about hibernating. So now is the time to try and spot these fascinating creatures.
