Bombus hypnorum

[laetoli]

B. hypnorum is just about the most common bumble in my North London garden. I understand that this bee was first seen in Britain in 2001. Why is it so successful? Is it displacing one or more of the other bumbles, filling a niche that was previously vacant or is it resistant to varoa or some other bee pest?

Thanks,
Paul

[eucera]

Goodness! This one needs a pretty full reply.

1) B. hypnorum is certainly very abundant in many places. It is also spreading northwards and westwards. I have had a bunch of records from Wales and the marches, as well as plenty from Yorks and Lancs, Tyneside, and even a record from Carlisle (I would love you to pm me the details of yours!)
2) It was new to the UK in 2001. There is an article on the first specimen which will pop up first if you Google "Bombus hypnorum". For details of the spread and behaviour, you should download the BWARS Information Sheet available at Information Sheets
3) It is an arch generalist in terms of forage, and seems to love nesting in bird boxes. On the continent it is widespread, reaching the Kola peninsula in the Arctic. It seems to be doing very well throughout its range, and is now found even at the sub-alpine levels of Mt. Vitoscha in Bulgaria
4) It is not affected by Varroa (indeed, only Apis is troubled by this particular mite)

Cheers, Stuart

[laetoli]

Hi Stuart,

Thanks for your very detailed reply. I don't know what constitutes a record. I have one (maybe more) grainy shots of what is clearly a hypnorum from last year and lots of macro lens shots from this year (all timed and dated). I'd be happy to send you anything but I'm a novice and need the basics explained.

Take care,
Paul