This species is one of Ireland’s smaller bumblebees and is similar in appearance to Bombus hortorum, with a black body, white tail and three yellow bands. The main distinguishing feature is the length of its face, which is much shorter. Despite its name it can be found in a wide range of habitats although I have encountered it more frequently in areas of bog and heath.

Distribution in Ireland: Widespread and fairly common, but can be local.

Flight Period: March-October.

Habitat: A wide range of habitats are used, including scrub, woodland edges, lowland and upland bogs, heath, coastal grassland and gardens.

Flowers visited: Dandelion, Bilberry, heathers, thistles, trefoils, clovers, vetches, knapweeds and others.

Personal Records: I have recorded this species widely. It is frequent in the Carn/Ardara area in Co. Donegal as well as the raised bogs surrounding Lough Neagh, such as Peatlands Park, Derrytrasna and Montiaghs Moss, in counties Armagh and Antrim respectively. At these latter three sites it appears to be the most frequent Bombus species.  I have also recorded a single male in the Hillsborough area and workers just south of Kilkeel, at Kilbroney Forest and also at Murlough (all Co. Down) and Seagahan Dam (Co. Armagh). It is one of the host species of the Forest Cuckoo Bee (Bombus sylvestris).