Bombus hypnorum, The Tree Bumblebee

There is a request from BWARS (the Bees, Wasps & Ants Recording Society) for records of this relatively new species of bumblebee which has been slowly spreading westwards; first recorded in Britain about nine years ago, it seems to 'like' using nest boxes. To find out more and see pictures, click here.

As well as sending in records to that society, it would be good if members could write up any records as a 'Special Event' and add comments to this topic if they think they have seen them in their parish. Try to take a photograph for evidence.

A few records have been sent in from Cornwall already this year. Look out for bumble bees with a ginger/red thorax with no yellow stripes; a black abdomen with a white tip or 'tail'.