Thread: Mediteranian Bee sighting in the uk
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Old 03-03-2007, 05:01 PM
eucera eucera is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Salisbury; Wilts
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Re: Mediteranian Bee sighting in the uk
Well Done Derick

I can confirm that the pics you have posted are CERTAINLY Xylocopa.

Now to the species determination: Studying Photo #2 (the clearest) at FULL SIZE, I am pretty certain that the preapical antennal segments (ie segments 11 & 12) appear to be reddish brown (or at least pale) rather than black. This would confirm that the species is indeed Xylocopa violacea, and that the specimen you have photographed is a male.

I look forward to Lizzy's report!

Well done, Sir. This is certainly the first ever confirmed breeding of this species in UK, and the first ever over-wintering. The only thing we can't be sure of is how the beasties got to you, and I doubt we will ever know that. One thing is for certain, increasing numbers are making it here under their own steam every year.

I look forward to seeing more pics.

Stuart
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