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Gypsy cuckoo bee

Bombus bohemicus

Basic Information

Common name: Gypsy cuckoo bee
Scientific name: Bombus bohemicus

Thinner hair with visible chitin on thorax and abdomen.

Darker coloured bees with boxy head shape and dark wings.

Classification

Bee TypeBumblebee
StatusLess Common
Cuckoo StatusCuckoo
DistributionWidespread
Tail ColourWhite Tail

Keynotes

• Thin hair that is longer than other cuckoos • Females larger than males • Not usually seen after September

Nest Information

• Use white-tailed bumblebee nests • 1 cycle per year • Use host nests from March to September

Distribution

  • Less common
  • Widespread
  • Found in healthland
  • Declining in South and East England

Castes

MALE

June
No Diagram
No Photo
Broad yellow collar Narrow yellow rear band White tail with yellow side trim

FEMALE

March
No Diagram
No Photo
Broad yellow collar Narrow yellow rear band White tail with yellow side trim

Flower Preferences

  • Brambles
  • Knapweed
  • Teasel
  • Thistles
  • Umbellifers