Queen Buff-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris)

PHOTO 2 of 2: This is the same (what I believe to be Queen) Buff-tailed Bumblebee I posted prior to this photo, just 24 hours later she looked like this, on closer inspection I can see a bug of some sort on her. Her back end was pulsating and she looked really messy. I got very close to her and she was reaching a leg out, eventually she flew off. Please, please can anyone tell me what was happening to her. Is this a case of Bee Mites?

comments (6)

Bridget Charity Rendall

Grizzly Bear

This is the same (what I believe to be Queen) Buff-tailed Bumblebee I posted prior to this photo, just 24 hours later she looked like this, on closer inspection I can see a bug of some sort on her. Her back end was pulsating and she looked really messy. I got very close to her and she was reaching a leg out, eventually she flew off. Please, please can anyone tell me what was happening to her. Is this a case of Bee Mites? Posted 12 years ago, modified 12 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  Interesting situation. I'm not of much help here I'm afraid, no idea what this can be. The only thing I can add is that when insects stay put for a long time, it can be because they are cold blooded and the environment is cold, making them sluggish. Posted 12 years ago

Bridget Charity Rendall

Grizzly Bear

I wonder if this is what is affecting the Bumblebee - Parasitellus Fucorum Posted 12 years ago, modified 12 years ago

Tamara Jane Sharp

Green Fly

So interesting - and sad. Did you ever find out I wonder... Posted 12 years ago
1. Bridget Charity Rendall
  
  Grizzly Bear
  
  Well to be honest I went up there the very next day and she was still there, I got very close and then all of a sudden she flew off, so in my mind she was a survivor. Posted 12 years ago
2. 1. Tamara Jane Sharp
    
    Green Fly
    
    Quite right. Posted 12 years ago

The Buff-tailed Bumble Bee

"Bombus terrestris", the buff-tailed bumblebee or large earth bumblebee, is one of the most numerous bumblebee species in Europe. It is one of the main species used in greenhouse pollination, and so can be found in many countries and areas where it is not native, such as Tasmania.

Info 63 0

Similar species: Wasps, Bees, Sawflies And Ants

Species identified by Bridget Charity Rendall