Comments on: Murky Spring et al.

By: Raymond Watson

Raymond Watson — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 16:33:43 +0000

I’ve noticed a lack of B. lapidarius this year and also far fewer hypnorum which has been abundant here. Commoner than terrestris last year. I also get B. jonellus and had one in the trap a few days ago. hortorum is scarce here as a rule. MV bulbs certainly fade. When you change an old bulb for a new one the difference is obvious. It stands to reason that the catch will be lower since the light will not reach out so far for an impact.

By: Neil

Neil — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 19:38:49 +0000

Been a slow spring everywhere I feel. Will report on my findings once I have some spare time.
I’ve seen a few Red-tailed bumblebees here, and generally low numbers of the other species. Think a lot are only now waking up! Ditto with butterflies.
On mv bulbs, I do think they fade over time. I was running one which was a number of years old and the catch seemed to be poorer than it should have been on warm nights. Changed to a new bulb and it was much brighter and I had a better catch. It is certainly the case with actinic lights as well.

By: keith

keith — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 07:42:41 +0000

I don’t know my bees that well but have an interest. I have less Queen bumbles at home this year than previous years. Last year was good to very good with lots of different species so I have been surprised as to how few there are here this year. However I have noted a lack of red tailed this year. Like you I am surrounded by arable land almost devoid of life.
Regarding mv lights I have heard that the catch falls off but not sure anyone believes it. I use my bulbs until they no longer work and for me, not a frequent trapper I have lost one bulb since 2003. If this was my oldest bulb that blew it was more than 10 years old at the time. Keith