Bumblebee Identification. Liverpool Wildflower Centre

24th May 2008.

Leaders- Carl Clee and Tony Parker.

The Bumblebee Identification workshop was aimed at raising awareness of both the plight and the significance of this very important group of insects.

The first session consisted of a Powerpoint presentation of the six commonest species, and an explanation of their life cycle and value within an ecosystem. The presentation was backed up with an information pack including a very useful laminated identification graphic. The final part of the presentation was a quiz, to see who had been paying attention!

The after lunch session consisted of a capture, identify and release activity. Graphics are well and good but the creature in hand is obviously another matter! We watched Red-tailed, Carder and other bees whilst seeing at close quarters the difference between nectaring and pollen collecting. A quite magnificent queen Cuckoo bee was the star capture of the session. Aptly named, these bees lay their eggs in the nests of hosts.

The botanical highspot of the day was a Red/White Campion hybrid, Silene x hampeana with both colours being displayed on the one plant.

It was nice to see some new faces in the party—please come back!

Carl Clee is always interested to hear about sightings and reports of bees. Any reports or records can be sent to him in any format at the museum, or by email to carl.clee@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk.

Great thanks to both Carl and Tony for a very interesting and informative day.

Peter Tipping