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Project Noah Nature School
Bombus terrestris
Bumble bees are social insects that are characterized by black and yellow body hairs, often in bands.
In our garden, on the rosemary bush.
Bumble bees were recently introduced to Tasmania, possibly purposefully (and illegally), by orchardists. The other option is that they came accidentally in shipments from New Zealand. Either way, there is evidence that they are competing with native bees. http://www.aussiebee.com.au/bumblebeehar...
Spotted on Aug 22, 2011
Submitted on Aug 22, 2011
5 Comments
This is an incredible picture. I had no idea they looked like this close up!
Thanks, Adrian. It's such an issue on islands, with our high degree of endemism, what does and what doesn't belong. Rabbits and cats are probably the biggest pest species in Tasmania, after humans, of course.
Nice work Lori, that's some good macro photography. And good on you for providing the link about their issues as feral animals.
I feel the same. It's hard not to find them charming, even if they are a pest here.
There sure are quite a few there now but it's a pity if they are causing problems because I quite like the creature.