I found at least 2 Tree Bumblebee queens on our Cotoneaster this afternoon here in sunny Bolton, the first I've ever seen.
This species was first recorded in the south in 2001 but has spread rapidly northwards. It nests in holes in trees and in bird nestboxes.
It's worth keeping an eye openfor them. They are difficult to mistake for anything else - the thorax is bright ginger rather like the Carder Bee but the abdomen is all black with a bright white tip.
I have logged the sightings with the BBCT. Is it known, or are there any theories, why tree bublebees are spreading so rapidly whilst other species are declining?
I'm not sure why it appeared and why it is spreading. Maybe global warming? It is apparently quite widespread on the continent and particularly likes parkland and gargens, which the UK has plenty of.
Strange as I noted a Tree Bee on a recorded Chelsea flower show program the other night. It was strangely enough highlighting Pam Ayres who has a wildlife garden and it was feeding off a cotoneaster plant.
I wonder as well as weather patterns it's the brits love of nest boxes that has helped them find a home and settle in.
have not noted them in my garden as yet but eyes are peeled.
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