Quick answer
Bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) are insects found across Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Africa. The fuzzy, hard-working pollinator of meadows and gardens. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.0003 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of Up to ~24 km/h (15 mph) in flight, and live Workers a few weeks; queens about a year. They feed on herbivore (nectar and pollen) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Meadows, gardens, and farmland across the Northern Hemisphere and introduced elsewhere; key pollinators.
Key takeaway
Bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) are insects found across Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Africa. The fuzzy, hard-working pollinator of meadows and gardens. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.0003 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of Up to ~24 km/h (15 mph) in flight, and live Workers a few weeks; queens about a year. They feed on herbivore (nectar and pollen) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Meadows, gardens, and farmland across the Northern Hemisphere and introduced elsewhere; key pollinators.
Bumblebee overview
Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) is a insect listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight about 0.0003 kg; lifespan around Workers a few weeks; queens about a year.
Bumblebee ecology
Diet: Herbivore (nectar and pollen). Habitat: Meadows, gardens, farmland, and woodland edges. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Bumblebees and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild bumblebees are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Bumblebee profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Range and habitat
Bumblebees inhabit Meadows, gardens, and farmland across the Northern Hemisphere and introduced elsewhere; key pollinators. Their preferred habitat includes meadows, gardens, farmland, and woodland edges, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-term persisten
Physical characteristics and behaviour
Adult bumblebees typically measure about 0.022 m in length and weigh roughly 0.0003 kg (0 lb). They can sprint at Up to ~24 km/h (15 mph) in flight when hunting or escaping predators. Bumblebees are known for the fuzzy, hard-working pollinator of meadows and gardens — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.
Sources
Bumblebee FAQs
What are key facts about bumblebees?
Bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) are insects found across Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Africa. The fuzzy, hard-working pollinator of meadows and gardens. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.0003 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of Up to ~24 km/h (15 mph) in flight, and live Workers a few weeks; queens about a year. They feed on herbivore (nectar and pollen) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Meadows, gardens, and farmland across the Northern Hemisphere and introduced elsewhere; key pollinators.
What is the scientific name of the bumblebee?
Bombus terrestris — used in research and conservation listings for bumblebees.
What do bumblebees eat?
Bumblebees eat nectar and pollen, with seasonal and regional variation in Meadows, gardens, farmland, and woodland edges.
Where do bumblebees live?
They are associated with Meadows, gardens, farmland, and woodland edges. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of bumblebees?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.