Bumblebees
There can be few people who could not recognise a bumblebee, but most people would be surprised to learn that Britain is home to 24 different species, with a 25th possibly on its way depending on the success of the reintroduction of Bombus subterraneus to RSPB Dungeness. Some species are commonly found in parks and gardens, whilst others will require a dedicated trip to see.
18 of the UK species are social bumblebees, where a queen founds a nest early in the year, which then produces workers and ultimately males and new queens to found new colonies. The remaining six species are cuckoo bumblebees, which do not produce workers but instead usurp the place of a social bumblebee queen and turn the efforts of the workers to rearing their own young. These cuckoos can be distinguished from their social brethren by the absence of a pollen basket, and a distinct darkening of the wings.
The pattern of banding is sufficient to identify some species, whilst others will require closer examination, often the shape of the head is an important feature. Definite identification of males can sometimes only be achieved by examination of the genitalia under a microscope.
Social Bumblebees
