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these bands lias been taking place in July/August, removing virtually all forage sources for
insects.
Summary
The most important habitat features common to all the areas where the bumblebee has been seen
in August seem to be tall very flower-rich herbage, with abundant Red bartsia and evidence of
previous abundance of clovers and other species such as Lotus together with the vicinity of
scrab. The bumblebee seems to fly at the level of the Red bartsia flowers amongst the taller
herbage.
A summary of the recent status of Bombus sylvarum in Essex
(distribution map produced using DMAP, a mapping program by Dr Alan Morton)
Provisional conclusions
Red bartsia is an important forage source in August
All the sites where B. sylvarum has been recorded in south Essex have possessed considerable
quantities of Red bartsia and this seems by far the most important forage source during August.
It is probable that the bumblebee needs plentiful nectar and pollen sources throughout its season,
and that Red bartsia may be a very important component during August and into September
when other sources such as Red clover are virtually over.
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 16 (1999)