Bombus hypnorum, the tree bumblebee or new garden bumblebee, is a species of bumblebee. It is one of the most common bumblebee species in north and eastern Europe, but it's less common past 70 degrees north. Its distribution ranges over most of Europe and parts of Eastern Asia, although less common.^[1] It has a short tongue and can therefore only retrieve nectar from certain plants.

Bombus hypnorum was first observed in parts of southern UK in 2001, and has since been spreading all across southern UK. The UK organization Bees, Wasps & Ants Recording Society enganges in monitoring the species.^[2]

The tree bumblebee defends its nest in a very offensive manner, and if it is disturbed, a large number of very aggressive workers emerge from the entrance to defend the nest. They will fly at high speed around the entrance to the nest, in order to scare away possible attackers. In this state, they may well sting unprovoked. For this reason, the tree bumblebee might end up in conflict with humans if it establishes its nest in human buildings. However, if it is not disturbed, the tree bumblebee is quite peaceful.

References

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