Bumblebee Bonanza

I'VE noticed that there are three, four or maybe five species of bumblebee commonly visiting our lavender.  They have an insatiable appetite for nectar, but when the weather cools (as it did this evening) they start to fade and become immobile.

They are wonderful and very important creatures, but devilishly difficult to identify from a photograph and without handling.

Today's blog is dedicated to my Dad, who supported me in my wildlife pursuits when I was too young to be able to get behind a wheel - so

Happy Birthday Dad!

Sp.?

Anthophora hispanica?

 

Bombus lapidarius?

 

Bombus lucorum?

Okay...so this is not a bumblebee but the cabbage white (as it used to be known -now is the large white) is a wonderful sight in the garden and at this time of year this species is abundant.