unidentified bumblebee

[meinchewster]

Hi all,

No photograph unfortionatley but I think the said bee will return having seen it twice today visiting the same flowers (leeks left to go to seed).

Im very intriguiged as to what this bee could be having checked my general books and googled most of the bombus species but still no positive id.

The bee is quite large (30mm upwards) and was very notable for three things:

The bee was primarily a pale yellow in colour, some thin banding on the abdomen but the appearance was generally a bright pale yellow bee.

The bee also appeared to have yellow eyes as opposed to black.

the bee was very quick in flight and was easily spooked unlike the rest of the docile species visiting the same leek heads.

It could be that ive not considered cuckoo bees etc but the fleeting visits stopped me from getting a close look for any time.

Any ideas appreciated

[2dogs2000]

Was it anything like this?



This has been identified on here as Bombus pratorum.

[Matt Smith]

At this time of year a male B.lucorum sounds most likely from your description.

[meinchewster]

Originally Posted by 2dogs2000

Was it anything like this?



This has been identified on here as Bombus pratorum.

Deinately seems similar to this one, thanks.

[meinchewster]

Originally Posted by Matt Smith

At this time of year a male B.lucorum sounds most likely from your description.

indeed a male B.lucorum could fit the bill also.

I will try to get a pic tomorrow if at all possible. thanks for the reply