1 96 THE HUMBLE-BEE 



Coat somewhat shorter and less shaggy than in 



agrorum. 



Joints of the antennae less swollen behind than in 

 agrorum ; length of flagellum ^\ mm. 



Armature distinct, but approaching that of B. mus- 

 cor 7un. 



This species has been so much confused with 

 B. muscorum that the extent of its distribution in 

 the United Kingdom is very imperfectly known. 

 It is not rare in the Dover district, and has 

 been taken, not uncommonly, in various localities 

 in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Sussex, Oxfordshire, 

 Hampshire, and Devonshire. It probably occurs 

 throughout the south and east of England. I have 

 seen a specimen from Manchester, and another from 

 Helsby in Cheshire, but know of no other captures 

 in the north. All the supposed Irish examples that 

 I have seen have been B. 7?tztscor?uji. 



In East Kent the queens appear later in the 

 spring than those of any other species, generally 

 not until June. All the nests that I have taken 

 have been on the surface of the ground. 



The very mild temper of this species is in strong- 

 contrast to the revengeful disposition of B. mus- 

 corum. 



On the Continent the colouring of this species is 

 very variable, a black variety being common in many 

 places ; this has not been met with in England. 



