iN PHOTOS: Kamloops nature lover goes on bee hunt

Kamloops nature lover Darrel Frolek has been finding, photographing and identifying numerous insect species this year including 11 different species of bumble bees.

“It’s been a good summer, I’m fascinated with the bugs, beetles and butterflies,” he said. “I’ll go on walks and observe insects on the flowers.”

There are more than 30 species of bumble bee in the province. It is a challenge to get good photos of the busy bugs and often an even bigger one identifying the different species.

“When they’re buzzing around you can’t tell them apart with your naked eye until you get a picture and magnify it later,” Frolek said. “There are so many similarities between the different species. Some of them have different common names, it can get complicated.”

There are 32 confirmed species of bumble bees in BC, and more than 250 worldwide, according to Beekeeper Corner.

Bumble bees are large in size compared to other kinds of bees and are covered with a thick fur made for collecting and transporting pollen. They come in a variety of colours and patterns, yet are notoriously difficult to identify. These bees are non-aggressive and won’t sting unless threatened or trapped.

These are just a few of Frolek’s stunning photos of bumble bees on bright blooms in the Kamloops area this summer. 

If you have interesting nature photos to share, send them to news@infonews.ca.