Bumble-bee for ID

welshrich · #1 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 09:20 AM

Please can anyone identify this bumble bee I took on 12th April 2007 near Swansea, South Wales.

ChrisR · #2 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 09:21 AM

Bombus terrestris would be my guess, from the muddy-looking tail

welshrich · #3 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 09:27 AM

Could it be a cuckoo bumble bee? I didn't see any pollen baskets.
It looks a but like Bombus pratorum to me but I can't be sure.

JRsbugs · #4 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by welshrich

Could it be a cuckoo bumble bee? I didn't see any pollen baskets.
It looks a but like Bombus pratorum to me but I can't be sure.

No, this is B. terrestris. They are around late in mild weather, and in the south are active over winter.

The pollen basket isn't always visible from some angles, your shot is from behind so it's difficult to see. The bands and tail colour, plus the size are all distinctive.

I see you said 12th April, but the timing is fine too.

Janet