Bumblebee ID

[beech]

Hello everyone any ideas on this one please

[JRsbugs]

It's a Bombus pratorum male. Nice shrub too, is it Escallonia 'Apple Blossom'?

Janet

[beech]

Thanks for the identification JRsbugs and yes this is Escallonia Apple Blossom, can I ask what identifies this as a male?


Thanks again

[htcdude]

I think the colouration is a lot more vivid on a male, also they have no pollen basket

Nige

[JRsbugs]

That's correct, the males have big fluffy yellow bands at the top of the thorax going over onto the head, also a broad yellow band on the abdomen as well as a few yellow hairs on the face. Queens and workers can have a yellow band or not, also on the top of the thorax but they are not so 'fluffy' looking and have black faces.

Pollen baskets are not always easily seen but are a clue if they are well visible.

A good way to learn is to check the charts on the NHM.

BUMBLE BEES

[beech]

Thanks htcdude and JRsbugs. I do have an ID guide but im very unsure with many I see as they appear so similar

Would I be right in thinking this one is a B terrestris/lucorum worker?

[JRsbugs]

Bombus terrestris is correct, but it could be a male. Without being able to count the antennal segments, or seeing the hind leg properly it's difficult to say. If it was big it could be a queen too.

[beech]

Thanks for the help JRsbugs, I am fairly sure it wasnt a queen as I noticed much larger bees in the garden in spring, but they may not have been the same species as I didnt look too closely at them