Yellow back bees

[italic63]

Good morning all,
Lots of pollen being brought in over the last week or so. I've noticed some bees with bright yellow dots on their backs. Can you please take a look at the centre of the photo attached and tell me if this is pollen or something else?
Only one in 50 or so have this, all other on their hind legs as normal.
Thanks

 

[Boston Bees]

Yes, it's pollen. Some flowers deposit it on the bees' backs. It's a much more effective pollination method than collecting it on their legs (which is why solitary bees are so much better at pollinating - on a per capita basis - than honey bees)

 

[pargyle]

Looks like pollen to me .. she's had her head deep in a flower collecting nectar and has got covered in pollen in the process. You see it more commonly when they find the Himalayan Balsam but it's a bit early for that .... Laurel perhaps or OSR ?

 

[italic63]

Thanks so much for your quick replies. That's why I love this web site! So many experts and always so quick to respond.
Thank you once again

 

[drex]

Always see it when OSR is out