Blog
Types of bee in the UK: how to tell the difference
Charlotte Varela • 14 May 2019
Bees, wasps and ants
Bees, wasps and ants all form part of the insect order Hymenoptera, a large and diverse group made up of 'membrane-winged' insects. Most are social animals, with colonies made up of queens, drones and workers, although there are some solitary species. Bees and wasps are important pollinators, while many ant species play a vital role in woodland ecosystems.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Hornet
The king of the wasps with a fearsome reputation, the hornet is actually much less aggressive than its smaller cousin, the common wasp
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Trees woods and wildlife
Southern wood ant
Acid-spraying insects with a soft side. Southern wood ants roam our woods in huge gangs and have a surprising approach to finding their favourite food.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Tree bumblebee
A new arrival and a welcome addition to the UK's bumblebees. This enterprising bee has quickly set up home across Britain and happily takes to nest boxes provided by kindly gardeners.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Common wasp
These picnic ruiners might not be the UK's most popular invertebrate, but they are efficient pollinators.
