on Salvia leucophylla (2)
Photo of the holotype and so far only specimen, in the wild.
Observed flying along lava rock walls carrying a flower petal, hovering in several places before dropping the petal and landing on the wall to rest.
I considered Bombus melanopygus or B. bifarius but lack familiarity with identified specimens. This was a rescue from a friend’s chicken coop. Relocation successful (three days later foragers still coming and going from new site). I didn’t take a photo of main colony which was over 200 individuals (group photo here is a much smaller group scooped up into a different transport box).
Visiting Calystegia flowers.
Quarter is for size reference