Buff-tailed bumblebee vs Tree bumblebee
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a buff-tailed bumblebee from a tree bumblebee, and whether either one bites or stings.
Buff-tailed bumblebee
Bombus terrestris
Tree bumblebee
Bombus hypnorum
≠The key differences
B. terrestris has a paler, buff or yellowish tail and more yellow on the abdomen; B. hypnorum has a distinct white tail and bright ginger thorax.
⚖︎Side by side
| Buff-tailed bumblebee | Tree bumblebee | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Can sting | Can sting |
| Size | Queen 20-23 mm; worker 12-18 mm; male 14-18 mm | Queen 15-18 mm; workers 10-15 mm (body length) |
| Colours | Black, Bright yellow, Buff (pale tan), White | Ginger / Orange, Black, White |
| Family | Apidae | Apidae |
| Habitat | Open countryside, farmland, gardens, hedgerows, forest edges, and urban green spaces; nests in tussocks, old rodent burrows, compost heaps, wall cavities and buildings. | Woodland edges, gardens, parks, hedgerows, and urban areas; nests in above-ground cavities such as bird boxes, roof spaces and tree holes. |
| Range | Native across much of Europe and parts of western Asia; also introduced to New Zealand, Japan, Tasmania and other regions for pollination services, where it has established in some areas. | Native across much of northern and central Europe and parts of Asia; recently expanded into the British Isles and other regions where it has become common in urban and suburban areas. |
| Active | Active spring to autumn (typical northern hemisphere: March to October), most numerous in late spring and early summer; diurnal (day-active). | Spring to autumn (typically April-October in temperate zones); diurnal (active during daylight). |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot a buff-tailed bumblebee
- Buff or pale white tail combined with a single broad yellow band on the thorax and a second yellow abdominal band.
- Stout, furry body typical of bumblebees (not slender like honeybees).
- Size differences: queens much larger than workers; males may show pale hair on face and longer hairs.
- Geographic context: common in Europe; check local field guides for separation from closely related buff-tailed species.
🔍How to spot a tree bumblebee
- Ginger-orange thorax contrasted with a mostly black abdomen and a conspicuous white tail.
- Compact, stocky bumblebee shape with dense fuzz; face and head darker than thorax.
- Nests above ground in cavities (bird boxes, roof voids, tree holes) more often than underground species.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a buff-tailed bumblebee and a tree bumblebee?
B. terrestris has a paler, buff or yellowish tail and more yellow on the abdomen; B. hypnorum has a distinct white tail and bright ginger thorax.
Is a buff-tailed bumblebee or a tree bumblebee more dangerous?
Buff-tailed bumblebee: Can sting. Tree bumblebee: Can sting. Females (workers and queens) can sting and inject venom, but they are not aggressive and rarely sting unless handled or their nest is disturbed. Tree bumblebees are not aggressive but females (queens and workers) can sting if handled, trapped against skin or if a nest is disturbed.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.