Ecology

Bees and Hoverflies species you may see on the Green

Ecology

Bees and Hoverflies species you may see on the Green

Bees and Hoverflies

Common Carder Bee

Common Carder Bee

Image © Pipe Green Trust

Characterised by having a furry ginger thorax and looking a bit like a teddy bear(!) this species can often be found on the Green. It is a social bumblebee and its nest may contain as many as 200 workers. It emerges in early Spring and flies through to Autumn.

For further information visit www.bumblebeeconservation.org

Gypsy Cuckoo Bumblebee

Cuckoo Bumble Bee

Image courtesy of Bob Russon, Lichfield & District Local RSPB Group

This is a fascinating bee, which as its name suggests, is a parasitic bumblebee, which takes over the nest of another bee (usually a white-tailed bumblebee). The female infiltrates the nest, kills the host queen and then tricks the workers into rearing her young!

For further information visit www.bumblebeeconservation.org

White tailed bumblebee

White Tailed Bumblebee

This a common species that is found on the Green often feeding on the bramble or thistle. It is one of the easier bees to identify and has a thick yellow band across its abdomen and a white tail.

For further information visit www.bumblebeeconservation.org

Deadhead hoverfly

Deadhead hoverfly

Image © Pipe Green Trust

This striking hoverfly, is so called as seemingly the markings on the thorax are similar to a human skull (not sure I can see that!). They are often found feeding on the bramble or thistle on the Green.

For further information on hoverflies visit www.rspb.org.uk

Marmalade Hoverfly

Marmalade Hoverfly

Image © Pipe Green Trust

The orange and black bands give this colourful hoverfly its name. It is a very common species and can be seen in gardens as well as on the Green. They are very useful insects to have around as they feed mainly on aphids.

For further informatihoverflies visit www.rspb.org.uk


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