There are just four species of bumblebee in New Zealand:
1. Bombus Terrestris
Our most common bumblebee. It occurs throughout New Zealand and can sometimes be seen flying on sunny days after frosts in milder areas. Queens, workers and males all have the same colour pattern. The tongue is short. This is the species that is mass-reared for pollination of tomatoes in glasshouses.
2. Bombus Ruderatus
Occurs over most of the country but isn’t seen during winter. Colour can range from completely black to almost as much yellow as Bombus hortorum. The tongue is very long.
3. Bombus Hortorum
Not present in Westland or north of about Hamilton but appears to be spreading north. An occasional bee might be seen in winter in milder areas. All castes are similarly coloured. The tongue is very long.
4. Bombus Subterraneus
Our rarest bumblebee in that it occurs only in inland south and central South Island areas. It is on the wing only from about early November to late March. Queens and workers have an area of black hairs in the middle of the frontal yellowy band and males are mostly yellowy green. The tongue is long.
The photos above are from the late Dr Barry Donovan’s publication, Fauna of New Zealand No 57 Apoidea B.J. Donovan. These images are reproduced with permission from Landcare Research.
For those looking for more in depth reading and understanding, please browse these academic papers:
Comments