A rare tree bumblebee (bombus hypnorum) has been discovered at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.
This particular bee has never been seen so far west before and was first spotted in 2001 in the New Forest, Hampshire having flown over from France.
Previously in Wales, it had only been found in Cardiff - so it appears to be expanding its reach here in Wales. With other bee species in serious decline this is great news.
Tree bumblebee:
This particular bee has never been seen so far west before and was first spotted in 2001 in the New Forest, Hampshire having flown over from France.
Previously in Wales, it had only been found in Cardiff - so it appears to be expanding its reach here in Wales. With other bee species in serious decline this is great news.
Tree bumblebee:
It's a distinctive bumblebee with a brown thorax, black abdomen and white tail - no other bumblebee looks like this, so it's fairly easy to spot. It naturally nests in tree holes but will also happily nest in bird boxes.
You can see exactly what they look like at www.bumblebeeconservation.org
Ironically the discovery was made on 'Bee Aware Day' at the Garden, when talks, tours and stalls were organised to raise awareness of the need to conserve bees.
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