Black bumble or carpenter bee?

This little fella was disturbed whilst I was gardening. I’m not sure if I damaged him or not. There seemed to be a sort of crust on his tail which he was trying to remove. I wonder if it could be the pupae case or an invasive bug? I’d love to know if it could possibly be a black bumble? Any help appreciated.

comments (12)

Christine Young

Lion

Have you compared it to Bombus ruderatus or Bombus campestris? Both have black forms. Posted 5 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  Have removed the ID for now, it's unlikely to be the honey bee suggested, instead one of possibly many dark bumblebees. Posted 5 years ago
2. 1. englishindiangirl
    
    Lion
    
    Thanks Ferdy. I’ve been trying to identify it all day. It was a very furry little creature. Quite big for a bee though. I didn’t name it as a honey bee. Posted 5 years ago, modified 5 years ago
  2. 1. Ferdy Christant
      
      Lion
      
      They can be difficult to identify, this one does look huge! Posted 5 years ago
    2. 1. NattyOne
        
        Lion
        
        I think this is a melanic male of Bombus sylvestris, & will identify as such Posted 5 years ago
      2. Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        Excellent, thanks! Also set it on the other 3 photos now, it was a series. Posted 5 years ago
        
        NattyOne
        
        Lion
        
        very fortunate - was looking at cuckoo bees & there it was. Posted 5 years ago
    3. NattyOne
      
      Lion
      
      Hi, I've identified as Bombus sylvestris but think that it needs "melanic male" in the title Posted 5 years ago
    4. 1. englishindiangirl
        
        Lion
        
        Thank you I’ve looked at Bombus sylvestris. But not sure of identification. There was no indication of any differentiation between coloured bands, just very dense black. And furry. Also it was quite rotund! Would a melanin male be so densely coloured? Posted 5 years ago
      2. NattyOne
        
        Lion
        
        Hi, I got it from Naturespot - see link - cheers, David https://www.naturespot.org.uk/species/four-coloured-cuckoo-bee#:~:text=Four%20Coloured%20Cuckoo%20Bee%20%2D%20Bombus%20sylvestris&text=Cuckoo%20Bumblebee%20of%20Bombus%20pratorum,frequent%20in%20Leicestershire%20and%20Rutland. Posted 5 years ago
        
        englishindiangirl
        
        Lion
        
        Just had a look at your link, I’ll go with it. I love it when people help each other in this way!
        Cheers to you as well. Posted 5 years ago
        
        NattyOne
        
        Lion
        
        Good, pleased to help!! Take care. Posted 5 years ago

The Forest Cuckoo Bumble Bee

"Bombus sylvestris", known as the forest cuckoo bumblebee or four-coloured cuckoo bee, is a species of cuckoo bumblebee, found in most of Europe and Russia. Its main hosts are "Bombus pratorum", "Bombus jonellus", and "Bombus monticola".

Info 5 0

Similar species: Wasps, Bees, Sawflies And Ants

Species identified by NattyOne