Forest Cuckoo Bee
Bombus sylvestris
Common throughout much of the UK, although scarce in Ireland. Strongly associated with woodland, but can be found in other habitats including gardens.
Appearance
Females have a broad yellow collar and a thin yellow band at the base of the abdomen. Their abdomen has a distinctive shape that curls under and ends in a white tail with black hairs at the very tip.
Males resemble females, generally with orange hairs at the tip of the tail, although they are variable – some have yellow tails and some are completely dark haired.
About the bee
– broad yellow collar
– yellow hairs where thorax and abdomen meet
– white tail, with black or orange at tip
Size
– Female: 15mm
– Male: 13mm
Tongue length
– Short
Host
The Early Bumblebee, and possibly the Heath Bumblebee and Bilberry Bumblebee.
Map and flight periods
Similar species
Field Cuckoo Bumblebee males are quite similar, but the hairs at the tip of the tail are black rather than orange.