BUMBLEBEES: THE NATURAL HISTORY and IDENTIFICATION OF THE SPECIES FOUND IN BRITAIN. By Ted Benton. Collins New Naturalist No. 98.

2006 1st edition. Ppxii,580. 8vo (155 x 222mm). Colour photographs, b/w maps, bibliography. Green cloth, spine titled in gilt.

This is detailed and up to date account of the biology, ecology, behaviour and habits of the wild bumblebee, with much on the decline of this group of species and what may be done to help. Chapters include; introducing bumblebees; the bumblebee life cycle; bumblebee psychology; the usurper bumblebees; predators, parasites and lodgers; bumblebees and flowers I - foraging behaviour; bumblebees and flowers II - flower arrangements; what bumblebee is that?; the British species; agricultural change and bumblebee decline - explaining the patterns; back from the brink? - Bumblebee conservation. Appendices on; species considered extinct in Britain; organisations and useful addresses; vernacular and scientific names of flowering plants mentioned in the book; some other books on bumblebees.