Strange residence

[huw]

I was checking up on the contents of an Apidea when I came across these two. The bees seemed happy with their presence.
Does anyone have any idea whats going on?

 

[birdsandbees]

Looks like CBPV to me, not good news if it is.

 

[BeeJayBee]

It does look like CBPV. Is the Apidea overcrowded?

 

[Itchy]

Doesn't look like bees to me

 

[huw]

It was overcrowded as the bees from the one next door had absconded due to a Virgin queen disappearing and seem to have piled into this one. I lowered the numbers by introducing another virgin into the failed one and moving them around.
I had a look regarding CBVP and although it looks like it from the photograph they don't have the shiny/greasy appearance described by most. There is also no shaking, they just appear vey lethargic. I'm starting to wonder if they are simply old bees. Thinking back the original bees have been in this Apidea for nearly a month.

 

[Teemore]

Are you using syrup in your Apideas? If so, the two "bald" bees pictured could have been for a bit of a swim in the syrup.

 

[deanrpwaacs]

Could be mason bees . These are all over the Cotoneaster .

 

[huw]

No syrup just fondant. Which I've now removed to give them more room.