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Wildlife Spotting

Photo by shepherdgoo
Published on Project Noah
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54.6644, -5.7065

Field Notes

Description:

Appears to be a bumblebee though the yellow stripes are so dark it looks nearly entirely black.

Approximately 15-20mm top to tail.

Dark glossy wings and hairy body and legs

Habitat:

Area of light housing just yards from the coastline of North Down, Northern Ireland. Found indoors.

Notes:

I found it this evening on my bedroom floor looking very sluggish but clearly alive. It attempted to wave a defensive leg at me when I got close to pick it up but seemed weak.

I have heard that it is sometimes possible to help a grounded bee so I put a small amount of honey and water a few inches away from it. After a few seconds it moved VERY fast towards it and rapidly ate most of it! Shortly after it began buzzing its wings but this soon stopped. As it is nearly midnight, and freezing outside, I have it in a loosely covered container in a warm dark place, and intend to release it tomorrow morning if it's looking more alive.

Is it possible it's a queen? What species is it? Are my efforts likely to achieve anything useful?

Thanks!

So, an update...
This morning the bee was still alive but groggy, though the yellow seemed a little brighter. Perhaps that's just seeing it in daylight. I gave it more honey & water and moved it into a warm light area, and took the loose cloth cover off the container. About an hour and a half later I heard a buzzing and went through to find it buzzing against the kitchen window! So I let it out. I hope it's warm enough today. I'd love to know just what it is and whether it's likely it will survive.

Species ID Suggestions

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