An aerial nesting bee, that often nests in holes in walls and timber. Common and widespread in England and Wales, and also across the lowlands of central Scotland. Flies from late March to late May
Two "horns" on the face - unique to this species in Britain.
Bright orange haired appearance with dark hairs on the clypeus ("face").
Pollen scopa on ventral side (underneath) of… Read more
To celebrate the creation of BWARS' new website, we are launching another round of a survey to monitor the spread and colonisation of Bombus hypnorum (aka tree bumblebee) across Britain and Ireland.
BWARS chairman, Stuart Roberts commented, "Bombus hypnorum was first recorded in Britain in 2001, since when BWARS, along with its partners, has been mapping its spread across the country. Fortunately, Bombus hypnorum is an easily recognised bee, so that many people with an interest in natural history should be able to help us by sending us records of their… Read more
Bees, Wasps and Ant Records for bulk data e.g. spreadsheet, Mapmate or Recorder data.
Clare Boyes: clarebwarsdata[at]gmail.com
Electronic records
BWARS encourages members to submit records electronically. There are two main advantages to the society in receiving electronic records:
Index of species mapped by BWARS in Atlases 1-8
Listed below are various resources to help aculeate workers.
Photographs of sculpture on the thorax of the four British species as described in the RES key to Cuckoo Wasps - Chrysididae by Morgan.
Several species of Chrysidid wasps in the Chrysis ignita group are very similar in appearance. They can be fiendishly difficult to identify. BWARS president Michael Archer has produced three articles which describe the… Read more
A descriptive account of the families, genera, and species indigenous to Great Britain and Ireland, with notes as to habits, localities, habitats - Edward Saunders.
Published in 1896, this book is of considerable historical interest. The downloadable pdf of this rare book still contains much of interest, as well as a splendid series of hand-coloured plates depicting many species of ants, bees and wasps.
Saunders… Read more
Sheringham Park, Norfolk (National Trust).
Saturday 23rd June 10.30am – 4.00pm.
This workshop will cover the identification of bumblebees based on field work, photographs and inspection of live specimens. The day will also provide guidance about the conservation of bumblebees and how to encourage them in your garden.
Cost £20. To book please ring the National Trust on 01263 820550.
Tutors Nick Owens and Rob Coleman.
Most bees, wasps and ants (aculeate Hymenoptera, or "aculeates" for short) require considerable skill and experience to identify them. There are however a small number of bees and wasps that, with care, can be identified quite easily. On these pages you will find photos and pointers for the identification of some of the commoner distinctive species.
Online recording pages for the spring species have now been developed and will be active in early March, to coincide with the flight periods. Just click on… Read more
