2014 AGM weekend programme
Most recently added content
Submitted by Nigel Jones on
,
Andrena vaga, a widespread black and greyish-white mining bee in continental Europe, has recently been found at two locations on the south coast of England - at Dungeness, Kent and Brownwich Cliff, Hampshire. This species could easily be overlooked as it is similar to the widespread A. cineraria, (especially the males) so do be on the look out for this striking Andrena bee in the coming weeks, particularly in southern England.
A. vaga is completely grey haired across the top of the thorax, whereas A. cineraria has an… Read more
Submitted by Nigel Jones on
,
The South West Bees Report researched 23 species considered to be at risk in the UK, twenty are declining whilst three have become extinct.
Submitted by Nigel Jones on
,
Tutors: Mike Edwards (Midhurst) & Graham Collins (South Croydon).
An introduction to collecting, curating and identifying bees, wasps and ants with special tuition on identifying solitary wasps to genus and spider-hunting wasps (Pompilids) to species. Introductory keys will be available as well as demonstrations of how to handle, mount and label specimens for a reference collection.
Venue: Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst, near Reading
Booking: Please contact Dr. Mike Edwards, BENHS Indoor Meetings Secretary, 53 Great Cranford Street, Poundbury,… Read more
Submitted by Nigel Jones on
,
Sheringham Park, Norfolk (National Trust).
Saturday 7th 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.
Submitted by Nigel Jones on
,
Steven Falk has been developing a major photo resource on Flickr, this aims to provide numerous images and notes to help users determine British bee species. A description of the resource and instructions for using it can be downloaded here
Submitted by Nigel Jones on
,
Instructions for using Steven Falk's British Bees Photo Guide on Flickr
Submitted by Nigel Jones on
,
From Brian Williamson:
Having followed the activity of several Lasius brunneus nests in various locations in Epping Forest during the Spring and Summer I have been surprised by observing workers still active, albeit sluggishly, whose nest is located in a large, sawn section of tree trunk. Although in this part of the country weather conditions have been fairly mild the last two nights have been frosty yet on checking this nest today(11th December, 2013) I observed two workers moving… Read more
Submitted by Nigel Jones on
,
Steven Falk's Review of the Scarce and Threatened Bees, Wasp and Ants of Great Britain, published in 1991, and long out of print, can now be downloaded at:
http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/Pub91_Review_of_threatened_bees_wasps_ants_PRINT.pdf
Although some of the understood statuses have changed since publication, partly through the ongoing work of BWARS, the review still contains much useful information about habitat requirements, management recommendations and detailed… Read more
Submitted by Nigel Jones on
,
Two new book reviews - The Natural History of Bees and Gardening for Butterflies (2013), Bees and other beneficial insects (2010) have been added to the Book Reviews section