Bumblebee queens are waking up for the spring. Everything is late this year, as it had been a cold spring, so it’s good to see the bees emerging.
Early bumblebee
You will notice this lady has some passengers. These phoretic mites (Parasitellus) do not harm the bee. They will fall off when she sets up a nest and will act as nest cleaners.
Carder queen
Early Bumblebee queen
Murtagh's Meadow 
My 4 yr. old Grandson, Benjamin, noticed the mites in the photo… “What is wrong with the bee?” He was relieved when I read the next part of the post to him, “WOW, that’s good!” I quite agree. Thank-you x 2!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Benjamin is an observant little boy – well done!
LikeLike
Benjamin is fascinated by every aspect of nature. We “visit” many blogs to expand his knowledge and pursue his interest of every living thing. It is my great pleasure to accompany him on these early adventures of learning, the gifts can not be measured.
LikeLike
That is wonderful to hear. Maybe he would like to check out my other site. It’s a work in progress but he may find some activities there he would like. https://wordpress.com/view/naturekidswordpresscom.wordpress.com
LikeLike
One hopes the bumble bees will keep coming. If not we’re all in trouble! Good choice for the week
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Tina, yes let us hope for some warmer weather for them (and us too!)
LikeLike
Such pretty heath flowers (bet they are delicious to bumbles). Glad to hear that those mites are beneficial!
LikeLiked by 1 person
As you may have noticed they are still in their pots! They are new, a present from my sister. Hope to have some good planting weather this weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: WPC: Awakening | Lillie-Put
Pingback: Awakening: Smoke Break – What's (in) the picture?
Hadn’t realised about the mites. Do they feed on bits in the nest once they have dropped off the bee? Keep waiting for warmer weather & more dandelions for the hungry bees.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, they do. Little bee housekeepers!
LikeLike