Shetland Bumblebees

White-tailed Bumblebee, Lerwick

Moss Carder, Aith

Shetland is poor for butterflies: during our first week we saw none. As the temperature has risen to around 20 degrees during the last few days, we have seen small numbers of Large White and Red Admiral.

Bees are more numerous, though only four species are involved. White-tailed Bumblebee and Moss Carder (subspecies agricolae) are both quite easy to find around where we have been staying near Aith. Small Heath Bumblebee (endemic subspecies vogti) is present in the heather along the path by the Burn of Lunklet. The one we haven’t seen (for want of trying) is Garden Bumblebee.

 

• Moss Carder
• Small Heath Bumblebee
• White-tailed Bumblebee