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Common Carder Bee

Bombus pascuorum

This bumblebee’s gingery-brown colouring and habit of gathering plant fibres for nesting led to its name “Carder.” It favours nectar-rich flowers like clover and vetch, and is easily spotted bustling around blooms on warm days. On Lihou, look for them in sheltered grassy areas where wildflowers offer a reliable pollen supply.

  • Habitat: Similar to other bumblebees—coastal fields, meadows, hedgerows.
  • When to See: Spring through autumn.
  • Length: Queens up to ~15 mm; workers smaller