Garden Stuff

Bombus hypnorum

The Tree Bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum) continues to provide a regular presence in the garden, among the 5 species noted so far only the Buff-tailed and White-tailed are seen more frequently. Early Bumblebee and Red-tailed Bumblebee only noted once (each) so far while Tree Bumblebee has been noted on six days with 2 together on one occasion.

Comma

My first Comma of the year took some rays in the garden today and a female Brimstone flew through but didn't stop - they never do.

Vespula vulgaris

Also this Queen Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris) spent a bit of time nectaring in the garden. A common species as the name suggest but other species are more than likely to be found in our area. A good view of the head is crucial to allow positive identification. In this instance the striking anchor pattern on the face and short malar spacing (distance between the bottom of the eye and top of jaw) confirm the species.

Vespula vulgaris

Other areas worth concentrating on are the colour of the base of the antenna and views showing the upper side patterning on the thorax and abdomen.