Bombus cryptarum

[INHT]

This large bumble bee was working on Bird's-foot Trefoil yesterday at Sanaigmore, Isle of Islay. I've been told it may be the recently identified Bombus cryptarum, but would appreciate any further comments please. Thanks.

[FungiJohn]

Hi INHT and a very warm welcome to WAB.

I've added the images to your thread and I'm sure it won't be long before someone helps with ID.

John

[eucera]

Originally Posted by FungiJohn

Hi INHT and a very warm welcome to WAB.

I've added the images to your thread and I'm sure it won't be long before someone helps with ID.

John

It is B. cryptarum. The black "nick" in the yellow collar (on the shoulder) is diagnostic (but variable) character.

[Jason Green]

Afternoon INHT, and welcome to WAB!

Stuart,

Originally Posted by eucera

It is B. cryptarum. The black "nick" in the yellow collar (on the shoulder) is diagnostic (but variable) character.

So out of interest, how was this photo so easily-identified photographically? A while back you stated this for the lucorum complex, which includes cryptarum:

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...413-post2.html - Unfortunately, the only reliable way of separating the lucorum complex is to use genetic characters which are beyond most of us. The problem is that the colour characters are inconsistent, and don't seem to match the genetic characters... so we are really none the wiser. Queens of typical "B. magnus" have a colour character that is quite clear. "B. cryptarum" is much more problematical. None of the characters which have been used for queens works for workers or males.

Just interested, as I am starting to home-in on certain areas of study (specialising, maybe?) from a more general 'catchment-area' in entomology a year or so ago.

Take care,

Jason

[eucera]

Perhaps I should have said... It is "B. cryptarum". This specimen (a queen) fits Bertsch's description very neatly. However, as I outlined in the previous post you cited, the genotypic situation is more difficult.

You aren't going to like this, but it is (so a little birdie told me) quite possible that a 4th genotype (as yet undescribed) may exist in Scotland (and elsewhere in Europe too)

[INHT]

Thanks to everyone for their help. I'm so glad I found this site. I checked the NBN Gateway records for B. cryptarum and it's not yet been recorded on Islay, so this is great news! Eucera, how can you tell it's a Queen - is it just that it's really big? Im sorry to be so ignorant but it's the first time I've ever studied a bumble bee of any species!

[eucera]

Well... you've certainly picked a tricky place to start!

You mention its size. That is a clue. Also, I have only ever seen the "nick-in-collar" character on queens.

It is very probable that the overwhelming majority of "B. cryptarum" will appear under B. lucorum s.l.