Tree Bumble Bee

Lovely photo and does look like a Tree Bumble Bee ...

What a whopper!

Think you're right, Diggin. Isn't he lovely?

Never seen one. I Googled for information and found the following, still relevant I believe.

http://www.opalexplorenature.org/treebumblebee

They ask for information and a photo so I'm sure they would be pleased to hear from you, Diggin.

Info and photo submitted Eirlys. Although it was sighted in Belgium not the UK.

According to the following lots have been sighted in the UK......I think!!

http://www.opalexplorenature.org/node/4523

I hope I find one.

He's a handsome beast.I believe I've seen these in my old garden but I didn't know they were tree bumble bees.
Is that a Caryopteris he's on??

It is indeed Paul. A freebie I got from my local garden center last year because it was on it's last legs! It's a bit straggly this year but who's complaining! Next year it should look much better.

They are a bit leggy though but beautiful plants and attract bees and butterflies as this photo testifies.
I had one at my last garden although I mad the mistake of moving it twice in the four years I had it and, eventually, it gave up the ghost.Naybe th emoting it around or our heavy clay or both!

I've got a variegated leaf one also which is really beautiful and not straggly at all. I think this one is straggly because of the really poor condition it was in when I was given it and it's a year younger than the other one. Here's hoping for next year, because I love this plant.
Mine are both in heavy clay, so as you say I think yours probably suffered due to being moved too often!

Reckon it must be...yes!