Info Bumblebees are fascinating social insects belonging to the same family as honeybees (Apidae). They form annual colonies with only matted queens surviving the winter, to start a new one. This worker, a Bombus terrestris, is probably enjoying the last weeks of its life. No surprise that there are only two bumblebee FP in Commons (this one and this one), for it is very difficult to get a sharp picture of this hairy and restless creature. I took dozens of them... Created and nominated by Alvesgaspar12:18, 16 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Question Bely Bely nice :) before supporting, because I will probably, I just wonder if you don't have something which shows more of the head. The angle of view kind of frustrate me (I want to see more) Benh19:31, 16 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Answer - Yes I have, but the pictures are not good enough (please check my Wasps and bees gallery). The problem is the head is completely black (see here and here. Only with controlled conditions (an inert insect and artificial lighting) it would be possible to get some detail there. An even worse case is Xylocopa violacea (here), I have several photos of that creature and nome of them will probably pass the QIC barrier... Alvesgaspar20:16, 16 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Info - I prefer this version but I wonder if the existing flaws (mainly unsharpness) are mitigated by the much more interesting composition - Alvesgaspar20:40, 16 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Support (but only just!) I very much like the colours, the composition and the burglar story behind it, but the structure of the hairs (and that is visible on most of your otherwise very good insect pictures) is bugging me. There is a certain shimmer/artificial pattern on them. Is it due to oversharpening or is it the lens? I don't know. Anyway scrapes through to FP for me. Lycaon15:32, 18 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Info - It is due to poor lighting. To be able to shoot with a small aperture and a relatively large shuter speed (both things are necessary) I have to count on direct sunlight and the camera flash, which makes the picture overcontrasted and causes reflexes in the hair. The solution (with living and nervous creatures) is a more sophisticated light source, like serious entomologist photographers use. With more letargic insects (by cold or ... death) everything is a lot easier - Alvesgaspar16:32, 18 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Isn't anything in the superfamily Apoidae (taxon Anthophila) considered a bee? I think what you call a bee in Europe we call a honey bee in North America. Calibas19:08, 20 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose The details (hairs) looks kind of rough for me for a insect you can see often .. The main reason is the distracting background. Wishing more artistic quality instead of quantity. --Richard Bartz08:11, 22 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]