Current status
Bombus humilis is a brown carder bumblebee which makes its nest on the surface of the ground at the base of long vegetation, often under accumulated plant litter. It has most often been recorded as associated with areas of grassland supporting a large number of plant species with long corolla flower types, notably those belonging to the plant families Lamiaceae and Fabaceae. It is one of a number of bumblebee species to have undergone a drastic reduction in range and abundance, as a result of the loss of this habitat in the modern agricultural landscape, although it appears to be able to survive in less extensive areas of flower-rich habitat compared with some bumblebee species.
At the beginning of the 20th century this bumblebee was considered uncommon in southern England. However, it was a widespread species, reaching Yorkshire and Lancashire in the north. By the 1970s it had disappeared from most of its northern and inland localities, although it was still widespread along much of the coast. The species has continued to decline in the eastern half of England, where it is now local and sporadic. It is still readily found along the south-western coast of England, from Dorset westwards , and on the southern coast of Wales. There are also a number of inland localities associated with the larger areas of chalk grasslands, notably Salisbury Plain. There are no records of this species from Scotland or Northern Ireland. B. humilis is widespread in Europe.
In Great Britain this species is classified as Local.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Loss of extensive, herb-rich grasslands through agricultural intensification.
Non-native forms of Bombus used for pollination in greenhouses may be a threat, but this requires further investigation.
Current action
Some populations are on SSSIs.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain populations at all known sites.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Where appropriate, include the requirements of the species when preparing or revising prescriptions for agri-environment schemes. (ACTION: CCW, NE, MAFF, WOAD)
Site safeguard and management
Where possible, ensure that all occupied and nearby potential habitat is appropriately managed by 2008, for example through SSSI or agri-environment scheme management agreements. (ACTION: CCW, NE, MAFF, WOAD)
Ensure that the habitat requirements of the species are taken into account in relevant development policies, plans and proposals. (ACTION: CCW, NE, LAs)
Ensure that this species is included in site management documents for all relevant SSSIs. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Species management and protection
None proposed.
Advisory
Advise landowners and managers of the presence of this species and the importance of beneficial management for its conservation. (ACTION: CCW, NE, MAFF, WOAD)
As far as possible, ensure that all relevant agri-environment project officers, and members of regional agri-environment consultation groups, are advised of locations of this species, its importance, and the management needed for its conservation. (ACTION: CCW, NE, MAFF, WOAD)
Future Research and Monitoring
Undertake surveys to determine the current status of the bee by the year 2005. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Promote ecological research to establish the habitat requirements of this species, the factors limiting breeding success at existing sites, and dispersal ability. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Encourage further research to identify the extent to which the introduction of non-native forms of Bombus used for pollination in greenhouses may be a threat to the species. (ACTION: CCW, NE, MAFF, WOAD)
Establish a regular monitoring programme for this species. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Pass information gathered through survey and monitoring of this species to a central database so that it can be incorporated into national databases. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Communications and Publicity
Where appropriate use this species to promote appreciation and conservation of threatened species of bee and wasp and their habitats. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Publication details
Originally published in: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume IV: Invertebrates (March 1999, Tranche 2, Vol IV, p213)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species