17/07/2026
AI is getting so good!
Seeing multiple colors of pollen being brought back to the hive at the same time is a classic sign of the biodiversity available in your local area. In the UK during July, bees have a wide range of forage options, which often results in the multi-colored "pollen pants" you are observing.
Potential Sources for Pollen Colors
While pollen identification is not an exact science—as colors can vary based on soil, moisture, and plant variety—here are the most likely candidates for your observations in July:
* Orange Pollen: This is commonly sourced from several vibrant summer flowers.
* Bramble/Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus): A prolific source in July, often providing a pale to mid-orange pollen.
* Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus): Known for producing a distinct, often bright orange pollen.
* Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera): If present in your area, this is a major source of sticky, white-to-pale-grey or sometimes orange-tinged pollen.
* Dahlia: Many varieties of Dahlia, which bloom in July, are known to provide bright orange pollen.
* White or Pale Pollen:
* White Clover (Trifolium repens): A staple summer forage for honey bees, typically yielding a cream-colored or off-white pollen.
* Himalayan Balsam: As mentioned above, the pollen from this plant can appear quite pale or whitish.
* Rosebay Willowherb (Chamaenerion angustifolium): This plant is common in July and often provides a very pale, almost white or light blue-grey pollen.
Context for July Foraging
* Biodiversity: July is a peak time for many summer wildflowers and garden plants. Because your bees are likely foraging from a mix of wild and cultivated sources, seeing different colors simultaneously is a sign of a healthy, varied diet.
* Pollen Identification: Please note that screen displays and lighting conditions can make it difficult to identify colors accurately. If you are interested in a more precise match, many local beekeeping associations (such as Sheffield or Richmond) offer printed, physical pollen charts that are much more reliable than digital references for matching the exact shade you see in the field.
