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