Bombus sonorus and pensylvanicus

In the identification pages of both species, it would be invaluable to clarify that the distinguishing feature is only distinguishing for females. Males of both species have the two yellow bands on thorax and this is a source of endless confusion (interestingly, in the original species descriptions, males of pensylvanicus were considered a different genus!). I'm not sure if there is a way to distinguish males of these species, but if there is, it would be great to include that also.

Thanks!!

Contributed by Russell Pfau on 8 January, 2018 - 11:01am

I attempted a quick fix

but all the info pages for bees could use improvement. If you or others want to contend with this I'm happy to advise.

… John S. Ascher, 19 January, 2018 - 10:03pm

Bees are my weak point and am

Bees are my weak point and am just starting to become familiar with a few of the Bombus. I'm involved in a genetic study to clarify the species status of sonorus vs. pensylvanicus--so I've been focusing on those. Would I need to become an editor to help, or post proposed wording here in the forum for editors to use?

… Russell Pfau, 20 January, 2018 - 1:40pm

Posting proposed wording here

in the forums would be an excellent idea.

… john and jane balaban, 20 January, 2018 - 2:59pm

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