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Red-shanked bumblebee

Red-shanked bumblebee

Bombus ruderarius

A species of Bumble bees, Also known as Red-tailed carder bee

Distinctly patterned with yellow, red, or brown, red-shanked bumblebee harbors a unique foraging behavior; it demonstrates floral constancy, meaning individuals tend to visit the same species of flower, optimizing the pollination process. Unlike other flower visitors who flit randomly among blooms, this methodical approach ensures a higher pollination success rate. Additionally, the diet of red-shanked bumblebee changes from larva to adult; while larvae consume a mixture of nectar and pollen provided by workers, adults primarily feed on nectar.

General Info About Red-shanked bumblebee
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Attributes of Red-shanked bumblebee
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
Flowering plant; old mouse nest; coastal meadow; unimproved pasture; calcareous grassland
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, pollen, tree sap, fruit juice, honey from their own hives
Larva Food Source
Pollen, nectar, honey
Biting/stinging
The Red-shanked bumblebee may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Red-shanked bumblebee is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
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Distribution Area of Red-shanked bumblebee
This species is found in Europe and northwest Asia from Ireland and Great Britain in the west to Siberia and northwest China in the east, northwards to the Gulf of Botnia and the Arctic Circle in Scandinavia, and southwards to North Africa, southern Italy, Greece, and the Balkans. The distribution is uneven; in North Africa it is considered very rare, while in places such as the east Pyrenees, it is very common, accounting for more than half of all bumblebees in the area. In Britain, it is declining due to lack of habitat and restricted to southern England and western Scotland. It is also an endangered species in Ireland.
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Life Cycle of Red-shanked bumblebee
Egg The egg of red-shanked bumblebee is often oval and tiny. At this stage, it embodies potential for the insect's entire life cycle, but shows no movement and requires a period of incubation before hatching.
Larva Emerging from the egg, the larva of red-shanked bumblebee is worm-like, lacking wings and adult-like appendages. It consumes food voraciously for rapid growth, molting several times as it increases in size.
Pupal After larval growth, red-shanked bumblebee enters the pupal stage, encased in a protective cocoon. This immobile stage is characterized by drastic transformation, as tissues reorganize into adult structures.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult red-shanked bumblebee's development is marked by the acquisition of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is readily mobile, focusing on reproduction and, for some, pollination tasks.
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Predators of Red-shanked bumblebee Larvae
Frogs and toads, birds, various arthropods like predatory beetles and spiders
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Predators of Adult Red-shanked bumblebee
Birds, mantis, dragonflies, rodents
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Interesting Facts About Red-shanked bumblebee
The red-shanked bumblebee has an impressive tongue length which it uses to access nectar in flowers that other bees cannot reach.
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Scientific Classification of Red-shanked bumblebee
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Tips for Finding Red-shanked bumblebee
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Youth Habitat of Red-shanked bumblebee
Grasslands and Prairies, Fields and Meadows, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Red-shanked bumblebee
Grasslands and Prairies, Forests and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas, Meadows and Gardens
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How Can You Attract Red-shanked bumblebee
Sweet substances, such as sugar water or artificial nectar, can be used as bait for traps to attract red-shanked bumblebee.
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Habitat Preferences of Red-shanked bumblebee Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of red-shanked bumblebee can be found in underground nests where the queen has placed them. Larvae remain in these nests, too, developing in wax cells and being fed by workers. For pupae, the transformation occurs within the same nests, inside cocoon-like structures. When searching, one should carefully look into undisturbed soil mostly in grasslands, as these are common nesting sites for red-shanked bumblebee. Adults of red-shanked bumblebee are commonly seen hovering over flowers in meadows, gardens, and along woodland edges. To observe different stages, one may locate nests by watching the flight paths of foraging adults, but remember to watch from a distance to avoid disturbing them.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Red-shanked bumblebee
The best time to find red-shanked bumblebee is during warm, sunny days when they are most active, specifically in the mid-morning to late afternoon.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Red-shanked bumblebee
Warm and dry weather conditions are ideal as red-shanked bumblebee are less active in cold or rainy weather.
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How and Where Can You Find Red-shanked bumblebee at Different Life Stages
Larva Red-shanked bumblebee larvae are usually found in underground nests or hollowed-out areas in trees. Search for them by identifying nest entrances on the ground and observing any red-shanked bumblebee activity nearby.
Pupal Red-shanked bumblebee pupae will be inside their nests in protective cocoons. Locating a nest and carefully exploring its structure may reveal the pupa cells, but it should be done minimally to avoid disturbing the colony.
Adult Adult red-shanked bumblebee can be found in areas with abundant flowers as they forage for nectar and pollen. Look for red-shanked bumblebee by visiting gardens, meadows, or anywhere flowering plants are plentiful and in bloom.
Are Red-shanked bumblebee harmful?
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Are Red-shanked bumblebee harmful to humans?

Most bees are docile and only sting when they are irritated. The sting needles of bees are sharp and toxic, and people will obviously feel pain after being stung. Some bees may also cause swelling, redness, fever and itching. Some sensitive people may experience more severe symptoms or even death.
Beneficial Effects of Red-shanked bumblebee
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae, Fruit Trees
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Collect Pollen To Feed Offspring, Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Red-shanked bumblebee is a diligent pollinator, often seen buzzing from flower to flower. Attracted by the vivid colors and enticing scents, it gathers pollen to nourish its young and to consume. It has a penchant for Asteraceae and fruit trees, where it performs the vital role of pollination, ensuring the continuation of these plants.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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