According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the term “humble-bee” predates the use of the word “bumblebee” – the former having first appeared in print in 1450, and the latter in 1530 – but they were then used almost interchangeably until … Continued
Well, this is exciting. To me, at any rate: I get quite fizzy whenever I’m able to add a new species to my life list, and this is one I never expected to encounter in the Shire. It’s a Four-banded … Continued
“You know I’ve been going on about that bee with the swanky forelegs?” I said to R. “Well, I finally got some shots of him, and I’m trying to decide which one to use. Look at this.” “Oh yes,” said … Continued
Bombus hortorum is one of the most common bumblebees in the UK. It’s also one of the biggest, with queens coming in at close to 2cm in length, and males and workers at around 1.5cm. It’s commonly called the Garden … Continued
With the unusually warm April and May we’ve experienced, it seems as though my spring solitary bees have lived fast and died young: there are plenty of bumblebees in the garden right now, but for the past week or so … Continued
