Bombus hypnorum Queen

I've tried to design my garden so there is something to interest pollinating insects for as much as the year as possible. Now as October heads towards November the interest comes from several patches of Kaffir Lilies plus a Mahonia shrub.

 

This shot shows one of the Mahonia flower racemes feeding a tree bumblebee queen. She was one of four bee species on the bush, including some enormous Bombus terrestris queens. I was surprised to see her as I thought tree bumblebee season finished weeks ago, but apparently queens are seen well into winter.

Done