Bumble bee-Bombus lapidarius

[lgswaff]

[Geoff F]

To be honest, I have been waiting for someone else to have a go at this one. And it looks like everybody else had the same idea.

The photo isn't sufficiently clear and there are several possible solutions. Added to which, a vital area is hidden by the wings.

But to start with; not B. lapidarius. I assume you were thinking about a male, but even then the tip of the tail is too white.

That hint of a yellow band before the white tail tip is making me consider the Cuckoo Bumblebee Bombus vestalis although where you live it could even possibly be the uncommon Bombus soroeenis.

However, now that I have started things off, perhaps one of the bumblee experts will be tempted to comment.

[lgswaff]

Thank you Geoff
I just googled bumble bee to get the latin name as most my shots are taken while walking the dog.
learnt a lot on here and only joined monday

[Matt Smith]

Best guess - male B.vestalis. Not B.soroeensis, your photo is of a "Psithyrus" type bee.

[Harry Eales]

B. (P) vestalis for me too. If it was photographed where the enquirer lives or nearby, it is too far south to be B.(P) bohemicus.

Harry

[lgswaff]

Thank you both
It was taken near to where I live