Key facts
- Gaelic name: Seillean càrdair na còinnich
- Local name: Shetland bumblebee
- Distribution: Endemic to Shetland and the Western Isles
- When to see: May – October
- Species on the Edge areas: Shetland
Species information
How to identify
This moss carder bee subspecies (Bombus muscorum agricolae) is a distinct island race that is endemic to Shetland and the Western Isles. it is unmistakable with its Lucozade-orange thorax and sunshine yellow bottom. It is its incandescent colouration (as well as its genetics) that separates it out from the moss carder bee of mainland Scotland and inner islands.
When to see
The flying season for the moss carder bee subspecies is May – October.
Distribution
Shetland and the Scottish Western Isles
Habitat and feeding
Like other bumblebee species, the habitat requirements for moss carder bees are for good areas of forage throughout their flying season and good areas for hibernating during the winter. During their flight season, moss carder bees are known to favour flower-rich unimproved meadows and also late-cut roadside verges which provide vital resources of pollen and nectar. During the flight season appropriate nesting habitat is also required – for carder bees this is in areas of longer/tussocky grass where they rake or ‘card’ grass and moss over their nests to protect and insulate them. At the end of summer, new pregnant queens will dig into loose and well-draining soils to excavate a chamber in which to spend the winter.
Pollen and nectar make up the diet of the bumblebee – containing all the essential nutrients bumblebees need as well as providing protein for growth and carbohydrates for energy. Moss Carder Bees show a strong preference for clover, knapweed, red bartsia and similar flower species.
Conservation status
The moss carder bee is currently listed as vulnerable in Europe by the IUCN European Red List of Bees. There is currently insufficient date to establish the status of the distinct island race of moss carder bee found in Shetland and the Western Isles.
Threats
Threats to moss carders are not well understood. They appear to have a similar niche to the much more widespread common carder, and in some places on the islands can be the most abundant bumblebee species present. However, overall in the UK they follow a slow but steady downwards trend, according to Bumblebee Conservation Trust’s 10-year BeeWalk data.
What Species on the Edge is doing
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Monitoring and surveying
- Leading BeeWalks
- Training volunteers to lead BeeWalks
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Engaging with local communities to increase awareness of bumblebees
- Engaging with farmers, crofters and land managers to advise on best management and engage in targeted work to benefit the species
Our work for bumblebees
Resources
If you are interested in learning more about our work with bumblebees and how you can get involved, get in touch with your local Species on the Edge team.
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