Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Bombus terrestris/vestalis ?

Posted by Alvesgaspar on 27-01-2008 12:38
#8

Susan R Walter wrote:
I think the top one is B vestalis.


Thank you, Susan, but are you sure? My book (Chinery) says that cucko bees generally resemble the species thay parasite and that B. vestalis parasites B. terrestris (till now everything matches). But also says that the coats are less dense so that abdominal plates shine through. Furthermore, there shouldn't a difference in size so large. I'm posting another view, maybe more details are visible.