Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Bees or bumblebees?

Posted by Christian Schmid-Egger on 12-02-2008 17:27
#8

Okay, so I will add a forth opinion. The results in brief (and therefore I can confirme Pierre and Susan):

All specimens are Xylocopa. Specimen in the middle and below is a male of X. violacea, above I cannot regonize sex or species. Males of X. violacea are unique in Europe by having second last flagellomeres read. Gaster is covered with small black setae (hairs), which in a special light may appear like a dense coat. Eyes does not reach mandible, there is a small space inbetween. Yellow pollen in legs is typical for all bees visting flowers with yellow pollen (there are no typical pollen storing brushes on photos).
Most common Xylocopa species in Europe are violacea, valga and iris, in Spain and Portugal are some more, very rare species, I have to look in a list for species names.

Anthophora never has such black wings with violet lustre, but some Andrena and other genera have. Also, there is no all black Bombus in
Europe, but 2-3 Anthophora species. But, they look different. See www.galerie.hymis.de, Anthophora retusa and black form of plumipes.
Did I forgot anything?

Regards. Christian