BEES IN WARWICKSHIRE

What Types of Bee Do We Have in Warwickshire?

Understanding the bee population in the UK relies on insect surveys and counts. There are about 250 solitary bees, 24 bumblebees, and one honeybee species. Identifying rare bees is challenging, resulting in limited data and a need for more skilled experts and recorded sightings.

A 2011 survey by Steven Falk provided valuable information. Since then recorded bee sightings of rarer species remains low. In Warwickshire, we have 17 of the 24 bumblebee types, with 10 seen regularly and seven in very low numbers. Habitat loss due to agricultural intensification and loss of heath and grassland has significantly impacted bee populations, especially for species that were once more widespread. 

Increasing volunteer participation in bee spotting and recording would greatly enhance our understanding of local bee populations and changes over time.

The BumbleBees Of Warwickshire?

1. The Buff Tail Bumblebee - B.Terrestris

2. White Tail Bumblebee - B.Lucorum

3. Garden Bumblebee - B.Hortorum

4. Early Bumblebee - B.Pratorum

5. Red-tailed Bumblebee - B.Lapidarius

6. Common Carder-bee - B.Pascuorum

7. Tree Bumblebee - B.Hypnorum

8. Southern Cuckoo Bee - B.Vestalis

9. Forest Cuckoo Bee - B.Sylvestris

10. Hill Cuckoo Bee - B.Rupestris

11. Large Garden Bumblebee - B.Ruderatus - RARE - DECLINING NATIONALLY

12. Heath Bumblebee - B.Jonellus - RARE

13. Brown Banded Carder Bee - RARE - POSSIBLY INCREASING

14. Red-shanked Carder Bee - B.Ruderarius - SCARCE

15. Gypsy Cuckoo Bee - B.Bohemicus - RARE

16. Barbut Cuckoo Bee - B.Barbutellus - RARE

17. Field Cuckoo Bee - B.Campestris - RARE