Bumble Flight by Oliver Andrews
Via Flickr:
A garden bumblebee moving around the flowers of a yellow foxglove.
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Red hot lips and bumblebees
This little red flower Salvia microphylla, is an evergreen shrub which originates from south eastern Arizona and Mexico, with numerous hybrids and cultivars. Both this, and a similar species, Salvia greggii, are highly attractive to bees and butterflies as the flowers are rich in nectar. Their fragrance is said to be reminiscent of blackcurrants.
Salvia microphylla ‘Royal Bumble’
I was…
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In the garden. Värmland, Sweden (April 28, 2023).
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instagram | rivercityflowerexchange
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Bombus ternarius (orange-belted bumblebee), Bombus vosnesenskii, (yellow-faced bumblebee) and Bombus impatiens (common eastern bumblebee)
The bumblebee crisis
Bumblebees are under threat all over the world. Some European countries are reporting a 90% reduction in bumblebee populations in just the last few decades. Explanations include the usual list of suspects (pesticides, habitat loss and climate change) but here in Vancouver they also are experiencing pressure from a non-native bumblebee (Bombus impatiens). This species was brought in by agrobusiness to fertilize greenhouse crops such as tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers.
Before this problem began, greenhouse operators assured us that these imported bumblebees would not escape and compete with native bumblebees for nesting sites and resources (read: flowers). However, a recent report from UBC indicates that up to 40% of Vancouver area bumblebees are now Bombus impatiens (see photo number three).
Greenhouse operators have proposed 'queen bee excluder barriers' to prevent further escapees but I think it's a bit too late for that. I'm afraid "the horse has already left the barn" and poor, old Mother Nature will just have to cope with yet another man-made crisis.
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Feeding Bumble by Oliver Andrews
Via Flickr:
A garden bumblebee feeding on a yellow foxglove flower.
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