Small and furry, this weeks #factfriday is all about the great yellow bumblebee (Bombus distinguendus).
Historically, this bee was found through most of the UK but now it can only be seen in the far North of Scotland and a few areas of Western Ireland.
They are distinguished by their mustard-yellow bodies with a wide black band inbetween the wings.
The Great yellow bumblebee emerges late in comparison to other bee species. Queens are usually seen from mid-June and will feed onnectar before searching for a suitable nest.
Queens will use old mouse nests, rabbit burrows and other holes under grass tussocks as nest sites. Nest density is estimated to be no more than 1 to 2 nests for every square kilometre of suitable habitat.

