Black bee

[art]

Hi all,

Complete newbie alert, that's me.

I am a keen gardener and have started to note the bee activities in my garden which is situated very close to the east coast, here in Ireland.

A few days ago I noticed what looked like a large all black furry type of bumble bee?

It flew fast and rested momentarily against a white wall before dashing off.

Is there such a bee as an all black and if so have any been sighted in Ireland?

Bee blessed,
art

 

[victor meldrew]

Was it like this/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/flower_alice/124436962/

John Wilkinson

 

[art]

black bee

Hi Victor,

Thanx for your interest. If only I had a camera handy at the right time.

The bee in the pic. has a blue/green shine whereas the one I saw was all black and furry. It is the first time that I have seen one of these big fellas. Tried to get a closer look, but didn't want to startle it. It was a strong flyer, as it coped well with some v strong weekend gales when it flew off. Will keep a look out incase I see another. If it was a Carpenter, I will check any unfinished wood just in case.

thanx

art