#orangerumpedbumblebees

I begin with a lichened up twig, festooned and ready for a twig contest. I haven’t done one lately, perhaps it’s time. I added it so this wouldn’t be one of those very sad #nolichentoday posts.

Now, onto the main event. A friend of mine gave me this now-abandoned orange rumped bumblebee nest. I pried the back off and found many maggot-like critters much to thin to be bumblebee larvae plus they weren’t in their little messy cells.

You can see how the nest is constructed and how this one little fellow failed to thrive. A beekeeper I know came to squeal and consult.

If anyone knows of a good bumblebee book or resource please let me know. If not and you are an expert please write one quickly, just for me.