Buff-tailed bumblebee, abejorro común

Description:

Buff-tailed bumblebee with Arbutus unedo flowers. Arbutus unedo flowers bloom during autumn and can last most of the winter, being very important for the survival of bees and bumblebees on sunny winter days. Bombus terrestris is one of the most numerous bumblebee species in Europe. They are characterized by their white-ended abdomens, apart from their black and yellow bands. It is a big bumblebee, the queen is 2-2,7 cm long and workers 1,5-2 cm. Such bees can navigate their way back to the nest from a distance as far away as 13 kilometres, although most forage within 5 km from their nest.

Habitat:

Spotted at Casa de Campo, a big park in Madrid

Notes:

Camera Model: NIKON D300. Exposure Time: 1/160 sec.; f/5.6; ISO Speed Rating: 400. Focal Length: 300.0 mm.