Fewer of these this year

[Hedera]

I haven't seen very many of these this year yet, compared with other kinds. Purposely left my "lawn" for the clover and they seem to like it.

[Paul mabbott]

Bombus lapidarius - I've seen very few for the last several years.

Clover is a great feeder for many bees and other insects but when I last studied the issue (pretty briefly), I found that bumble bees seemed much to prefer pink clover over white. Anyone else observed this?

Originally Posted by Hedera

I haven't seen very many of these this year yet, compared with other kinds. Purposely left my "lawn" for the clover and they seem to like it.

[TeresaW]

Not where mine are found, they mostly prefer the white clover, ignoring the reds altogether!

[Jason Green]

Afternoon all,

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

Clover is a great feeder for many bees and other insects but when I last studied the issue (pretty briefly), I found that bumble bees seemed much to prefer pink clover over white. Anyone else observed this?

Interesting personal observation, there (I have a lot of time for them). When you say 'pink clover', I take it you are you referring to Trifolium pratense as opposed to any form of T. repens? Anyway, now I think about it the only site locally where I get nice numbers of lapidarius (how do you differenciate between lapidarius and that other one or two red-tailed ones, by the way?), we have pretense as the prevailing Clover species - not seen one on White.

Nice shot Hed, I can't seem to get bees too easily...

Take care,

Jason

[Hedera]

I only have white clover so it's that or nothing! The only other bee I've seen on it is honeybee so far.
How about this one for ID - don't think it's lapidarius:

My technique is to sit on a chair in a promising place and wait to see what turns up!!

[loripo]

Originally Posted by Hedera

My technique is to sit on a chair in a promising place and wait to see what turns up!!

That sounds like a very good idea

[Jason Green]

Good tactic, Hed! Your second bee is the Early Bumblebee, Bombus pratorum - they can vary with the yellow band and red tip.

[aeshna5]

I've seen a lot more B. lapidarius this year in west London/Middx- often on yellow legumes such as melilots + Bird'sfoot Trefoil.

[artdemole]

The bees here in Peasedown st. John were busy on the pinkish flowering clover not on the predominant white.That was until the local housing authority grass cutters Scarified the lawns.All very short and parched now.