Buff or white-tail?

[jezlee]

Hello all - I always find these SO difficult to tell apart – is this a buff-tail or a white-tail? And what IS the best way of telling them apart?

[JRsbugs]

Workers of the two can be difficult to tell apart, but not always. Often you can see a brown line at the top of the white on B. terrestris, beware of light tricks, worn bees etc.

The abdomen band on the second bee suggests B. terrestris, it's usually a darker golden colour but not always, and light can play tricks.

The first one I would say is also B. terrestris, can't say anything for sure about the last one.

Janet

[jezlee]

Originally Posted by JRsbugs

Workers of the two can be difficult to tell apart, but not always. Often you can see a brown line at the top of the white on B. terrestris, beware of light tricks, worn bees etc.

The abdomen band on the second bee suggests B. terrestris, it's usually a darker golden colour but not always, and light can play tricks.

The first one I would say is also B. terrestris, can't say anything for sure about the last one.

Janet

Hi Janet – they're all the same bee ...

So you think B.terrestris?

[jezlee]

Originally Posted by JRsbugs

Workers of the two can be difficult to tell apart, but not always. Often you can see a brown line at the top of the white on B. terrestris, beware of light tricks, worn bees etc.

The abdomen band on the second bee suggests B. terrestris, it's usually a darker golden colour but not always, and light can play tricks.

The first one I would say is also B. terrestris, can't say anything for sure about the last one.

Janet

Hi Janet – they're all the same bee ... which just goes to show tricks of light etc, because the band on the thorax looks a completely different colour in the last pic from the first one!

So you think B.terrestris?

[JRsbugs]

Originally Posted by jezlee

Hi Janet – they're all the same bee ...

So you think B.terrestris?

Lol! Yes, I think B. terrestris. This shows how different they can look at different angles, lighting etc!

[jezlee]

Originally Posted by JRsbugs

Lol! Yes, I think B. terrestris. This shows how different they can look at different angles, lighting etc!

You were quick with this response!

I edited the post to say the same thing ...

[JRsbugs]

I have to be quick or I would never get through my daily takes!