I was somewhat worried to find bumble bees dead in my garden and neighbours also. When I found out that the "bee" in the picture was attacking them, it didn't touch any other honey bees at all, but from watching I noticed it was almost patrollin

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Home » Wildlife » Identify this » I was somewhat worried to find bumble bees dead in my garden and neighbours also. When I found out that the "bee" in the picture was attacking them, it didn't touch any other honey bees at all, but from watching I noticed it was almost patrollin
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I was somewhat worried to find bumble bees dead in my garden and neighbours also. When I found out that the "bee" in the picture was attacking them, it didn't touch any other honey bees at all, but from watching I noticed it was almost patrollin

Answered (verified) This question is answered
Posted by
on 21 Aug 2009 3:47 PM

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  • Posted by
    replied on 21 Aug 2009 4:06 PM
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    Hello-

    I remember from reading a New Naturalist book on bumble bees some time ago that there are several predatory and parasitic pseudo bees that prey on bumble bees. Have a look on Wkipedia

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bumblebee#Associated_parasites

    and see under 'cuckoo bumblebees' 

     
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  • Posted by
    replied on 21 Aug 2009 4:37 PM

    Hi,

    Thank you for your reply, I have checked on Wkipedia, and it sounds as though it could be the same.  It was so strange as it didn't collect pollen itself. which Wkipedia states 'cuckoo bumblebees' don't.  It did chase honey bees and landed on them, but didn't seem to have any effect on them at all. 

    Many thanks

    Meerkat
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