Did you know North America has over 4,000 native bees? They are a hugely diverse bunch, ranging from the large carpenter bee to the tiny fairy bee, and all are critical to pollination. Recently, I had the opportunity to learn more about bumble bees and participate in a citizen science project too.
If you love tomatoes and peppers, thank a bumble bee (and the wind)! For these North American crops to be pollinated, the pollen needs to be released by vibrations, and only native bees and the wind can do this. Bumble bees are excellent at sonication or buzz pollination. Upon landing, they vibrate their flight muscles until pollen is released. The imported honeybee is unable to pollinate these plants.
Many bumble bees are now under threat from habitat loss, pesticide use, the introduction of pathogens, and more. As a result, in 2017, the rusty patched bumble bee was listed as federally endangered, and others are imperiled. The preservation of these species relies on knowing more about them, and citizen scientists can help. In spring this year, the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation launched the Southeast Bumble Bee Atlas Project. One of the first trainings was held at the South Carolina Botanical Garden, and I was lucky enough to attend. We learned how to catch and photograph bumble bees. This information will enable scientists to better advocate for this critically important animal.
We started by visiting the pollinator garden to search for bees.
Susan Watts, ©2023, SC Botanical Gardens, Clemson University
Catch bees in an insect net.
Susan Watts, ©2023, SC Botanical Gardens, Clemson University
Transfer bee to test tube.
Susan Watts, ©2023, SC Botanical Gardens, Clemson University
Place bees on ice (no more than 20 mins– check on them).
Susan Watts, ©2023, SC Botanical Gardens, Clemson University
Take pictures of the bees.
Susan Watts, ©2023, SC Botanical Gardens, Clemson University
Cooled bee is left to wake back up.
Susan Watts, ©2023, SC Botanical Gardens, Clemson University
If you would like to learn more about this project, see the Southeast Bumble Bee Atlas.
If you would like to know more about identifying bumble bees, see Xerces Society Bumble Bee Information.
If you would like to know more about bumble bee conservation, see Xerces Society Bumble Bee Conservation.
