Of the 250 known bumblebee (Bombus) species, 24 are found in the UK, but only eight of these are a familiar sight in our gardens. These social herbivorous insects can live in nests of up to 400 individuals. Each nest is ruled by a queen and lasts for just one year. Bumblebees have bulky bodies covered by hairs of various colours. Depending on the species, bumblebees may be buff coloured, black with orange-red hairs on the rear end of the abdomen, or black with yellow, or white and yellow bands. Bumblebees are endearing and familiar insects. Their animated behaviour and deep buzz as they fly from flower to flower makes them a delight to watch.