The bumblebees of NZ

There are four species of bumblebee in NZ, brought here in the 1880s.

Bombus terrestris

Found: nationwide, most common bumblebee in NZ, and the one used in commercial glasshouses.

Bombus ruderatus

Found: nationwide, except Stewart Island. Some can be completely black, to a mix of black-yellow.

Bombus hortorum

Found: nationwide south of Hamilton, except Westland, but appears to be spreading north.

Bombus subterraneus

Found: inland Canterbury and central Otago. Rare, only flies from November-March.