Bombus vestalis

Cuckoo bumblebee species, hosting on bombus terrestris. This one was photographed at Pensthorpe Reserve, Norfolk in August 2010.

Bombus hortorum

Photographed near Snowden Park, Chard - seem to be feeding almost exclusively on thistles at the moment.

Bombus lapidarius

These beautiful bumble bees are a real jewel as they buzz around the late summer flowers. Nikon D90 with Sigma 105 Macro, ISO 1600, F11

Bombus lapidarius

Very common at the moment, males frequently visiting spear thistles and bramble by Snowden Park.

Bombus sylvestris

Photographed at Pilsdon Pen, Dorset. Very windy - lots of bees on the deck sheltering from the elements.

Bombus sylvestris

This is a male of the cuckoo species feeding on bramble in Snowden Park, Chard in Somerset. June 2010. Nikon D90, Sigma 105mm Macro

Bombus campestris - dark morph

Dark morphs with this species are quite common. Host species is Bombus Pascourum, this one was photographed feeding alongside them at Otterford Lakes on the Blackdown Hills.

Bombus pratorum

Stil the most common species in Snowden Park, Chard, Somerset.

Bombus lapidarius

These really love the clover and don't seem to be feeding anywhere else at the moment.

Bombus hortorum

Now that the clover is in full flower, the bees are rushing to take advantage. In Snowden Park, Chard there are at least 4 of the 'Big Six' including this Bombus Hortorum.

Bombus terrestris

Queen - not looking too good! There were several Bombus Barbutellus hovering close by although they normally attack Bombus Hortorum? Photographed at Wayford Woods, Somerset.

Bombus pascourum

Very common. Feeding here on red clover at Chard Reservoir, Somerset.

Bombus barbutellus

Cuckoo species, photographed here at Wayford Woods near Crewkerne in Somerset

Bombus hortorum

Photographed at St Margarets Holiday Park, Polgooth in Cornwall. First one of the year.

Bombus campestris

This is a cuckoo species, here seen feeding on a dandelion. Photographed at Staple Common on the Blackdown Hills, Somerset. Equipment Nikon D90 with a Sigma 105mm macro lens.

Bombus pascuorum

Another common species on the wing at the moment.

Bombus pratorum

Lots of Bombus Pratorum around in my garden at the moment - they love the tree blossum. Let me know if you've seen this or any other species on the wing this year!
Equipment: Nikon D90, Tamron 73-300mm LD Macro