Barbut’s Cuckoo Bee
Bombus barbutellus
Fairly widespread in southern and central England, but thought to be declining significantly in some areas. More scarce in Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
Appearance
Females have a wide dark yellow collar, dark yellow hairs where the thorax and abdomen meet, and a white tail. They can be quite variable and the yellow hairs on the abdomen may not always be present.
Males are similar but smaller, with more obvious yellow colouring where the thorax and abdomen meet.
About the bee
– dark yellow collar
– yellow hair where thorax and abdomen meet
– white tail
Size
– Female: 16mm
– Male: 13mm
Tongue length
– Short
Host
The Garden Bumblebee and Ruderal Bumblebee.
Map and flight periods
Similar species
Forest Cuckoo Bee females appear similar but are smaller and the yellow colouring between the thorax and abdomen is much weaker. They also have a characteristic short, curved abdomen.
The Garden Bumblebee has similar markings, but has denser hair and a much longer face and tongue.
The Ruderal Bumblebee queens look similar to Barbut’s Cuckoo Bee females, but they have a longer face and pollen baskets.