Bumblebee ID Galleries

Bumblebee gallery

problems in identification

(showing two species that may be confused - see tail colour)

(click on a thumbnail to open up the full-sized picture. Use the arrows on the keyboard to navigate between pictures. Each new picture will appear full-sized automatically. Use left and right arrows for moving along a category; up and down arrows to move between groups. Click on the cross beside the picture to reduce picture to a thumbnail)

These pictures may help illustrate the problems of identification arising from fading and age. As new pictures become available, they will be added to help overcome remaining worries. However, it must be emphasised that because of these factors, bumblebee identification remains an uncertain science. Experience brings knowledge of particular individuals that it may not be possible to identify in the field and this will have to be accepted. Other insects should become more obvious with experience. I have tried to include different phases, but will add more when they become available. Bumblebees appear easy to know - large and colourful - but are tricky and confusing but always fun to watch and get to know.

TRUE BUMBLEBEES