Bombus lucorum male HAIRY!!

[JRsbugs]

Thought you might like to see this handsome chap! I had a very hairy one last year, but this is ridiculous!

I am intrigued by the differences in B. lucorum males, I don't see such big differences in the females. As some will know, there are others grouped into the one species but they are difficult to separate. I found an interesting article about the labial gland secretions being different in different colour forms.

Chemotaxonomy of Bombus lucorum occuring in the Czech Republic

I would like to know more about these but the waters look to be murky. Looking at the hind legs, this, and pics of other males I have seen look like they have pollen baskets but that can't be so!

One other thing which I have noticed is the face of the very hairy male I had last year, it had a creamy coloured sort of soft bone cartilage type area. Do all the males have this? Finding close up pics of male B. lucorum faces is not easy.

I would like to hear from anyone who knows more about these, or anyone who has had similar confusing thoughts please air them here.

Janet

[bonitin]

Very fluffy hairy bumble indeed!

I'm of no help Janet, but the content of that link was really interesting to read,
it gives us another glimpse into that fascinating world of the insects.
Thanks!

[JRsbugs]

You're welcome bonitin!

I know it would be very difficult to try to separate these, but I really would like to know more!

If anyone has taken pics of male B. lucorum please feel free to post them here to compare.

I got pics of three different males today, the last two were there at the same time, all are difficult to get pics of as they don't hang around for long. The last one is the same as the pic above.