>I've noticed a lot of bumblebees this season, more than I remember in
>previous years, and people with whom I share this observation agree that
>there are many more bumbles in this neck of the woods (upstate New York)
>this spring.  I wonder if the decline of feral honeybees has lessened the
>competition?  Perhaps the bumblebees are thriving in the mite induced
>void?  If this is the case, then might we anticipate a thriving vespid
>population later this summer?
>
>Have others parts of the country (world? - I don't know the range
>for bombus) noticed more bumblebees than 'normal'?
>
>Anyone care to speculate?
 
******
 
   Yes, my yard is full of bumble bees now compared to earlier years, as is
the case in our project out on Santa Cruz Island.  Also, the mountainous
regions of California have experienced an epidemic of vespid populations
(causing a lot of problems in campgrounds) --- coincident with the arrival
of varroa in the state.   Of course, those who frequent campgrounds tend to
be careless with food waste, providing a lot of forage for the yellow and
black beasts.
 
                                                        Adrian
 
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