Oldt1mer - Keith's photos with the keyword: Impatiens glandulifera

This is, I believe, a species of Honey Bee which was visiting a growth of Himalayan Balsam - Impatiens glandulifera. There are several species of Honey Bee and although I have tried, I cannot accurately identify this one for you (hopefully some kind person will help). The Himalayan Balsam, a relative of the Busy Lizzie, is an invasive species native to the Himalayas which produces large amounts of nectar making it very popular to many flying insects. Seen at Pennington Flash. This Picture is fully © Copyrighted. None of my images may be copied, reproduced or altered in any form or manner or placed on the internet or any other social media, or in any form of publication either print or otherwise, in any form or manner without my written permission.

The Common Carder Bee - Bombus pascuorum - is a species of Bumblebee which can be found in most of Europe. They feed on a variety of wild flowers including Knapweed, Nettles, Motherwort, clovers and the Himalayan Balsam which this one can be seen exiting. Himalayan Balsam - Impatiens glandulifera - is actually a variety of the Busy Lizzie but can grow to over six feet high. Introduced as an exotic garden flower they quickly spread and can now be found almost everywhere especially by or near water. Each plant can produce up to 800 seeds which are spread by seed pods which open explosively when ripe and dispersed up to 7m (22ft) away. It is considered an invasive weed. Bees and insects love them because they produce large amounts of nectar. Seen at Pennington Flash, Leigh, Lancashire. This Picture is fully © Copyrighted. None of my images may be copied, reproduced or altered in any form or manner or placed on the internet or any other social media, or in any form of publication either print or otherwise, in any form or manner without my written permission.