Description

Body length 11 - 22mm. The queen and workers are all black with a large red tail patch. The males have yellow bands on the front and back of the thorax and yellow hairs on the face.

Habitat

Woodland edge, hedgerows, meadows and parkland.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread throughout England, Wales and lowland Scotland. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

March to September.