Red-tailed bumblebee mating?

[PeterD]

The larger bumblebee was 35-40mm long.

Could someone please confirm my ID please?



Link to my website for larger image.

Thanks

[JRsbugs]

Wow what a good catch!

You have a mating pair of the cuckoo bee, Bombus rupestris!

Janet

[paulinemiller10]

Lovely picture Peter D, a lucky find.

I have some red tailed bumbles visiting my feeder, what is the difference between this bumble and B Lapidarius J R Bugs ? Pauline.

[JRsbugs]

Pauline, the queen B. lapidarius and female B. rupestris would be difficult to separate unless you get a clear view of the hind leg, where you would see the pollen baskets on B. lapidarius. The cuckoo doesn't have pollen baskets.

It's the male which makes this one easy, B. rupestris males have black facial hair where B. lapidarius has yellow.

[PeterD]

Thank you Pauline and Janet. Thanks also for the help with ID on this species Janet. The problem I always have is knowing the difference between the cuckoo bee and others.

[paulinemiller10]

I have a few red tailed workers visiting my feeder, so will see if I can get a pic and check for pollen baskets, thanks Janet.

I have seen a queen red tailed around the garden, but she has'nt found the feeder, its interesting finding out which bumbles are visiting. Pauline.