Buff-tailed or White-tailed Bee?

black · #1 (**permalink**) 01-05-2007, 08:51 AM

Hi, could anyone tell me whether this is a buff-tailed or a white-tailed Bumble Bee, or knowing my ID skills neither. Thanks

eucera · #2 (**permalink**) 01-05-2007, 10:08 AM

When and where was the pic taken? This information is pretty important for doing this one. Despite having a white tail... this clearly isn't the so-called "white-tailed" bumble Bombus lucorum. It is one of the cuckoo bumbles. Check out the dusky wings and the complete lack of pollen collecting hairs on the hind leg

black · #3 (**permalink**) 01-05-2007, 11:25 AM

Hi Eucera, this was taken at Gait Barrows, Lancashire last sunday, 29th April

eucera · #4 (**permalink**) 01-05-2007, 12:17 PM

In that case... I would suggest that this is most probably a queen Bombus bohemicus, but without inspecting a specimen I can not be 100% sure. These are very difficult to separate from B. vestalis without minute scrutiny!