Here come the bees! Please help with IDs...

[tigger]

Hello. Well, it's that time of year again when I start mis-identifying bees... but hey, it's just good to hear a buzz in the garden again.

Today they were really out in force in my sunny Dorset garden, I must have counted at least 10 Bombus terrestris queens. They were fighting over the crocus and constantly falling asleep while eating!

Your confirmations/help with IDs would be appreciated.

Cheers. Jane

Bombus terrestris? (Buff-tailed bumblebee)



Bombus lapidarius (Red tailed bumblebee)



Bombus pratorum (Early bumblebee) Maybe???



Andrena sp. ???



Apis mellifera - (honeybee)

[Dogghound]

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes

5. Yes

[tigger]

Thanks Dogghound

Any idea on the Andrena sp.?

Jane

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by tigger

Thanks Dogghound

Any idea on the Andrena sp.?

Jane

No sorry, not really my field im afraid. A group I may have to look into in the future.

[tigger]

Thanks! I'll wait and see if anyone else has any ideas.

Cheers. Jane

[Rashmika]

I was quite chuffed to find this fella in mid February.

I am guessing a Buff Tailed Bumble Bee?

[diggleken]

yes, my first honeybee today, in a sunny lit crocus group too.
Cheers
Ken

[Africa]

Hi Jane, wow lots of things around in your garden. I have got my first patrolling Anthophora in mine today and I am quite chuffed about it too! Sorry I can't help with Andrena either. I am sure Janet or Eucera will come to the rescue!

Originally Posted by Rashmika

I was quite chuffed to find this fella in mid February.

I am guessing a Buff Tailed Bumble Bee?

Looks like a Bombus pratorum to me.

[tigger]

Thanks. Yes the garden was buzzing today with bees... plus a clouded yellow butterfly, 4 peacock butterflies, bullfinches everywhere and a bluetit nesting in a hole in the apple tree! It was a great day (AND I managed to give the greenhouse a spring-clean!)

[JRsbugs]

Your little bee has to be Andrena bicolor. Much earlier than I have seen it.

xe Andrena bicolor

Janet