David Element
Wildlife Photography and Digital
Video Images
________________________________________________________________
Hymenoptera 47 – Buff-tailed Bumblebees
BUFF-TAILED BUMBLEBEE Bombus terrestris
(f)
BUFF-TAILED BUMBLEBEE Bombus terrestris
(f)
BUFF-TAILED BUMBLEBEE Bombus terrestris
(f)
BUFF-TAILED BUMBLEBEE Bombus terrestris
(f)
BUFF-TAILED BUMBLEBEE Bombus terrestris
(f)
BUFF-TAILED BUMBLEBEES Bombus terrestris (f)
BUFF-TAILED BUMBLEBEE Bombus terrestris (f)
BUFF-TAILED
BUMBLEBEE Bombus terrestris (worker)
BUFF-TAILED BUMBLEBEE Bombus terrestris
(worker)
BUFF-TAILED BUMBLEBEES Bombus terrestris (m, f)
BUFF-TAILED BUMBLEBEES Bombus terrestris (m, f)
BUFF-TAILED BUMBLEBEES Bombus terrestris (m, f)
·
The
Buff-tailed Bumblebee Bombus terrestris
is a familiar insect to many as it is often to be seen feeding on garden
flowers. This is one of the seven bumblebees (since the recent arrival of the Tree
Bumblebee B. hypnorum) that can now be
described as “commonly seen in gardens” although many of the other species with
more specialised habitat requirements are in significant decline as the number
of suitable sites becomes ever smaller. Bees have also been on the receiving
end of constant bombardment by toxic chemicals on farmland and in gardens. The
long-term detrimental effects of insect neurotoxins, (neonicotinoids, for
example) have yet to be fully evaluated but they are clearly not good!
Responsible gardeners (of which there are many) should read the labels on their
chemicals carefully, make themselves aware of the nature of any substances that
may have already been banned and dispose of them safely. Bees are much better
for the garden than toxic substances and they are important pollinators too!
Buff-tailed Bumblebee queens may sometimes be seen flying or feeding on sunny
winter days and these bees are often to be seen feeding on Sallow Salix caprea and other pollen-rich trees early in the
year. Bumblebee identification may present problems even for experienced
entomologists – and it is easy to get some of them wrong. Workers of this
species often have white ‘tails’ and there may be some difficulty in separating
them from other white-tailed bumblebees of the B. lucorum
species complex unless a narrow buff strip can be seen dividing the black from
the white tip of the abdomen. The colour and position of the yellow bands of
Buff-tailed Bumblebees may vary slightly (as will be evident from the
photographs) although they are generally of a deeper orangey-yellow as opposed
to lemon yellow. The appearance of bumblebees may also be affected by wear as
they age, and the hairs are often worn away in older specimens.
·
David’s
short film of a Buff-tailed Bumblebee queen feeding may be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6_kcvx2cOs&list=PL4AirIEc0NocZVRSOwMCvHgyLtFUNk2gl&index=15&t=0s.
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