Bombus Help

Hi all,

This is my first post on the BeeSource Forums

Basically I have Just sparked an Intrest in bees, But my knowledge is very Limited,

And would to love all about the Bombus.

But Keep Getting confued between ientifying different types,

If anyobody would like to help me out by giving me useful websites or even better,

If we could sure information on these Bombus, I basically need to know how to identify them from each other

So if you have Information on a couple above and could tell me key characteristics Such as colour and size,

Im basically looking for a way to distinguish between each one special characteristics.

For Now I will stick to the workers but would also like Information on all the races.


Bombus pascuorum
Bombus humilis
Bombus muscorum
Bombus hypnorum
Bombus distinguendus
Bombus lucorum
Bombus terrestris
Bombus soroeensis
Bombus hortorum
Bombus ruderatus
Bombus jonellus
Bombus pratorum
Bombus lapidarius
Bombus ruderarius
Bombus monticola
Bombus sylvarum

Go down the list under General Beekeeping Forums to "Alternative Pollinators".
> http://www.beesource.com/forums/foru...ve-Pollinators

There are many organizations [& web sites] in the UK. that are devoted to the conservation and preservation of all forms of nature and wildlife,.. including Bumble bees!! > http://www.bumblebeeconservation.org.uk/who_are_we.htm#

And: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Field-Guide-...mblebeecons-21

Bumble bees of North America > http://www.bumblebee.org/NorthAmerica.htm

I use the last link for identifying bumbles here in north america and have seen similiar sites for the uk but didnt bookmark them as I dont live in the uk :) I know there are similiar sites for your area I just don't have time to search for them right now.