Three Bees for ID please

[TeresaW]

I'm new to bees. I can tell the difference between a bumblebee and a honeybee and that's about it, but I know it's important to identify bees now so we know what's surviving and what's not.

So, in the woods close to me in Norwich, here are three. I've had a go at trying to ID, but I'm probably wrong.


Bombus Terrestris? (sorry about the poor focus)


Bombus Pascuorum?


Another Bombus Terrestris?

[oxycera]

Last one is a hoverfly, Volucella bombylans.

[TeresaW]

DOH!

Honestly, I would never have known that, it looked like a bee! Thanks

[tigger]

Don't worry Teresa I've done that a thousand times. Look out for the lack of antennae on the hoverfly. Also I think they hold their wings out, whereas the bees tend to hold them over their backs.

This is a "bee minic" though... so it is in disguise and I often do a double take, thinking they might be a bee.

Cheers. Jane

[tigger]

Difficult to ID the bees as I can't see their stripe pattern right down to their tails. Try getting some shots from the side (I know it's not easy!) but that way you can see from head to toe (or tail!).

I should also say that I think the hovers do actually have antennae, they just aren't the same as bees. I'm sure someone will put me right if I'm wrong about this.

There are some bumbles that are very similar.

Jane

[TeresaW]

Easier said than done when they only stay in place for one shot
Also very difficult to do without blocking the sun and shading the subject, which usually flies off in disgust. I swear they glare at me as they go!

I'll go back tomorrow and have another look, and try to get some better shots.

Yep, the lack of antennae is clear on there...and I've just noticed the wings too, so thanks for that. I'll know better next time. (Damn good mimic though don't you think?)

[oxycera]

very good mimic, but only one pair of wings.

[tigger]

I always find the "one pair of wings" difference really hard to spot, as most bees look like they only have one pair when they aren't flying - and when they are flying it's too fast to see them properly anyway. Any tips?

Cheers. Jane

[TeresaW]

I don't think we would know while they are flying what the wings are like, but as you said earlier, the position of the wings in rest might be a good clue, there is a difference, if only slight.

Fascinating stuff though, and looking forward to finding out more about my local insects, especially the bees (and the wannabee hoverflies)

[Matt Smith]

No.1) Not sure if I can see enough detail on this one to see where the yellow bands are actually placed. Think this one goes down as "Bombus sp."

No.2) Male B.pratorum

No.3.) Volucella bombylans