Bumble Bee, Common or Moss Carder bee?

[rohan]

I saw this bee on Sanday , Orkney on 17/08. The local ranger (bees not her speciality) did not know what it was. I would love it to be the scarcer moss carder bee but suspect that it is probably the common carder bee. I realise that from one photo it may not be clear but any assistance welcome.

Bee, Sanday

[CharlesT]

Could be either. The Shetlands are a relative stronghold for both species. Unfortunately, the Scottush population of the Common Carder has no black hairs on it which would be the usual distinguishing feature, always absent in the Moss Carder. Species identification is therefore somewhat tricky in this case.

[rohan]

Thanks, Charles. There was a slight time pressure on me so only have this one photo. I also didn't realise there were two such similar species. Good that they both flourish there, though.