Much has appeared in the press in the last few years about the plight of bees. Usually the press makes no distinction between the Honey Bee (an invasive species) and the many native pollinators, such as bumble bees.
The Western Bumble Bee (Bombus occidentalis) used to be plentiful throughout much of western North America. Over a decade ago, it began vanishing from the southern portions of its traditional range, particularly in the United States and much of southern British Columbia.
Yet, I and others still occasionally have seen it around Kootenay Lake (southeastern BC). I have shown images and written about it since 2009, more recently in 2012 as two bees or not to be, and in 2013 as white butt lives. Sadly in 2014, I failed to find it. Had it now been locally extirpated?
It was a delight to discover it yesterday as it collected pollen in my yard.
The Western Bumble Bee is easily identified by its distinctive white butt.
Hi Alistair
Yay for white butt! And thanks for sharing.
Trevor
We see them often around Duncan Lake but it always warrants a comment – “White Butt!”
I suspect it may be the excuse to yell ‘butt’ as loud as possible that has kept the popularity level high with some.