Buff-tailed bumblebee

Worker bees vary unusually widely in size, with thorax lengths from 2.3 to 6.9 mm. This is unusual among bees.1

It has escaped from captivity and is now considered an invasive species in places such as Japan, Chile, Argentina and Tasmania.1

It is one of the main species used for greenhouse pollination, which is why it is found in many countries where it is not native.1

The queen usually mates with only one male, unlike many social insects.1

The colony works as a team. It has three social castes, with the queen laying eggs, workers foraging and defending the nest, and males leaving to find mates.1