Earth Bumblebee

Whenever it’s warm the bumblebees come out. The big earth bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) queens began foraging weeks ago and now a few workers are appearing. They are small, and go about their business at great speed.

Not so long ago I thought these were the only bumblebees in my garden, but now I can recognise the few big garden bumblebees (B. ruderatus) that are in the present mix, and the small garden bumblebees (B. hortorum) that fly in the summer. This is one of the pleasures that Blipfoto has given me, being able to look closer and see the difference.