🐝 Bees 🐝
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Bee Identification Facts-
Common Name: Bee
Scientific Name: The scientific name for bees is Apidae. This family includes many species of bees, such as honeybees, bumblebees, and other native bees. The name Apidae comes from the Latin word apis, which means "bee."
Appearance:
Bees are typically small, fuzzy insects with distinct black and yellow stripes, though some native bees have different color patterns and markings. Their fuzzy bodies help them collect pollen as they fly from flower to flower. While honeybees are often the most recognizable with their golden hue, native bees come in a variety of sizes and colors—ranging from small, solitary bees to larger, more noticeable bumblebees.
Many native bees are crucial to the pollination of plants, and some species have unique adaptations, like a longer tongue to reach the nectar in certain flowers. Unlike honeybees, which live in large colonies, many native bee species live solitary lives or form smaller, less social groups.
Bee Habitat and Range
Where do they live?
Bees are found all over the world, from wildflower fields to urban gardens. While honeybees have been introduced to many places for commercial pollination, native bees are often more specialized and can be found in specific ecosystems, such as prairies, deserts, forests, and wetlands. They thrive in habitats where they have access to a wide variety of flowers and plants for nectar and pollen.
Bee Diet / Larvae Diet
What do they eat?
Bees are nectar and pollen feeders. They gather nectar from flowers using their specialized proboscis, which functions like a straw to sip nectar from deep within blooms. Pollen collected during these foraging trips is carried back to the hive or nest, where it’s used as food for the developing larvae.
Unlike honeybees, which are often seen as communal gatherers of nectar for honey production, many native bees—such as solitary bees—collect food for their own young. Some native bees, like bumblebees, will forage from a wide range of flowers, while others may be specific to a certain type of plant, contributing to the pollination of plants that require very specialized care.
Bee Behavior
How do they behave?
Bees are industrious and often seen buzzing around flowers in search of nectar and pollen. Native bees exhibit a range of behaviors; bumblebees, for example, are social insects that live in small colonies and are known for their distinctive buzzing sound as they forage. Solitary bees, on the other hand, work alone, often creating nests in the ground or in hollow stems. Some native bees even have unique behaviors, such as "buzz pollination," where they vibrate their bodies to release pollen from certain flowers.
Bumblebees and many native bees play an important role in the environment by helping plants reproduce through pollination. Without these essential pollinators, many plants, including food crops, would struggle to thrive.
Importance in Nature
Role in the ecosystem:
Bees are essential pollinators, responsible for pollinating about one-third of the food we eat! While honeybees are well-known for their role in agriculture, native bees, including bumblebees and solitary bees, are also critical to the pollination of many plants, particularly wildflowers, fruits, and vegetables. They help plants reproduce by transferring pollen from one flower to another, allowing the plants to produce seeds, fruit, and new generations. Without bees, the diversity of our ecosystems would be significantly reduced.
Bee Cool Facts
Fun Facts:
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Native bees are incredibly diverse, with over 4,000 species of bees in North America alone!
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Bumblebees can carry loads of pollen and nectar that are several times their body weight.
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Many native bees are solitary and do not live in colonies, unlike honeybees. Some of the smallest bees are only a few millimeters long!
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Native bees often have specialized relationships with certain plants and are crucial for pollinating flowers that honeybees can't handle.
Bee Conservation Status
Are bees in danger?
Yes, many native bee species are at risk due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. While honeybees face challenges like Colony Collapse Disorder, native bees are also experiencing declines, which can disrupt the delicate balance of local ecosystems. Conservation efforts, such as planting native wildflowers and reducing pesticide use, can help protect these valuable pollinators.
How to Attract More Native Bees to Your Garden
Bees, especially native species, are essential for pollination and biodiversity. By creating a bee-friendly environment, you can help support local bee populations and provide them with the resources they need to thrive.
Essential Plants to Attract Native Bees:
To attract native bees, plant a variety of flowers that produce nectar and pollen throughout the year. Some of the best plants to attract bees include:
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Native wildflowers like sunflowers, coneflowers, and asters
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Fruit-bearing plants like apples, blueberries, and blackberries
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Herbs like lavender, sage, and thyme
Native bees, especially solitary bees, often rely on specific plants for both food and nesting sites, so choosing a variety of plants can ensure they have everything they need.
Why Plant Native Species?
Native plants are better suited to local ecosystems and offer the best sources of food and habitat for native bees. By planting native species, you contribute to the survival of local bee populations and the broader health of the ecosystem.
Create a Bee Haven:
To encourage bees, provide a mix of nectar-rich flowers, plants for larvae, and places for nesting. Bumblebees, for example, often nest in tall grass or in the soil, while solitary bees may prefer to nest in hollow stems or mud. Reducing lawn areas and leaving small patches of bare ground can create perfect nesting spots for ground-nesting bees.
By planting native species and creating a diverse, bee-friendly habitat, you can help sustain the essential role bees play in pollination and ecosystem health. Start with a few native plants today and watch your garden become a haven for native bees!
Check out our resources section for more help on which plants are native to your area or to register your garden!
Bumblebee
Basic Identification Facts:
Common Name: Native Bumblebee
Scientific Name: Bombus species (There are over 250 species of bumblebees in North America alone.)
Meaning of Scientific Name: The genus name Bombus comes from the Latin word bombus, meaning "a buzzing sound," referring to the characteristic hum of bumblebees as they fly from flower to flower.
Appearance:
Bumblebees are large, fuzzy insects easily recognized by their distinctive black and yellow (or orange) striped bodies. Their hair-covered bodies help them collect pollen as they forage. Some species of bumblebees have white, red, or even purple markings, but they all share the characteristic buzzing flight and rounded, chunky appearance. The combination of their large size and fuzzy bodies makes them excellent pollinators, as they can carry large amounts of pollen on their legs and bodies.
Habitat and Range
Where do they live?
Native bumblebees are found throughout North America, from wildflower meadows and forests to urban gardens and parks. They are particularly abundant in regions with a variety of flowering plants, especially in temperate zones. Some bumblebees are more common in the northern parts of North America, while others live in warmer, southern climates. These bees are adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, from fields to mountainous areas.
Fun Fact:
While bumblebees are usually thought of as insects that hover around flowers, they can fly up to 5 miles in a single day, covering significant distances in search of nectar and pollen.
Diet
What do they eat?
Bumblebees are nectar and pollen feeders. They visit flowers using their long tongues to sip nectar from deep within blooms, and while doing so, they collect pollen on their hairy bodies. This makes them excellent pollinators. Unlike honeybees, bumblebees do not create honey; instead, they store nectar in a small "honey pot" within their nests to feed their colony through the colder months. They are especially attracted to flowers like lavender, clover, and sunflowers, but will visit a wide variety of plants for their nectar and pollen.
Behavior
Bumblebees are social insects, living in colonies that typically consist of a queen, workers, and males. They are also known for their ground-nesting habits, which set them apart from other types of bees. These colonies are usually smaller than those of honeybees, but they still perform an essential role in pollination. Bumblebees have a unique ability to "buzz pollinate," where they vibrate their bodies to shake pollen loose from certain flowers, such as tomatoes and blueberries, that other bees cannot pollinate effectively.
Unlike honeybees, bumblebees do not migrate, but their range can shift seasonally depending on flower availability and temperature. In the winter months, most bumblebee colonies die, leaving only fertilized queens to hibernate until spring. These queens will then begin new colonies in the warmer months, laying eggs that will grow into workers who carry out the foraging and pollination.
Importance in Nature
Role in the ecosystem:
Native bumblebees are essential pollinators and play a key role in the reproduction of many plants, including crops like blueberries, apples, and tomatoes. They are also crucial for the survival of wildflowers and other plants in natural ecosystems. Without bumblebees, many plants would struggle to reproduce, and the food web would be severely impacted. In addition, bumblebees are an important food source for predators in various ecosystems, from birds to mammals.
Cool Facts
Fun Facts:
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There are over 250 species of native bumblebees in North America!
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Bumblebees can fly up to 5 miles in a day, foraging for nectar and pollen.
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A bumblebee’s buzz is not just a sound—they use it for buzz pollination, shaking pollen from flowers like tomatoes and blueberries that other bees can’t access.
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Some bumblebees nest in the ground, creating small colonies in old rodent burrows or underground tunnels.
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Bumblebees sleep at night, curling up inside their nests, where they rest until the next foraging day.
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The queen bumblebee is the only one who survives the winter, hibernating until spring, when she starts a new colony.
Conservation Status
Are native bumblebees endangered?
Many species of native bumblebees are facing population declines due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. For example, the Rusty Patched Bumblebee (Bombus affinis) is listed as endangered in the United States. The decline of bumblebee populations is a concern because they are vital pollinators for many crops and wild plants. Supporting efforts to protect bumblebee habitats, reduce pesticide use, and plant native flowers can help protect these important insects.
How to Get More Native Bumblebees
If you want to help support native bumblebees, it’s important to create a welcoming environment for them. Here’s how you can attract bumblebees to your garden or yard:
Essential Plants to Attract Bumblebees:
Bumblebees are attracted to a wide variety of nectar-rich flowers, particularly those that provide early spring blooms and late fall blooms. Some good plant choices for attracting bumblebees include:
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Clovers
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Lavender
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Bee balm
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Sunflowers
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Coneflowers
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Wildflowers
Bumblebees love flowers that provide both nectar and pollen. Native wildflowers are especially valuable, as they’ve evolved alongside local bee species.
Why Plant Native Species?
Native plants are best suited to local ecosystems and provide the necessary food and habitat for native bumblebees. By planting native wildflowers, you can support your local bumblebee population and help sustain healthy pollinator communities.
Create a Bumblebee Haven:
Bumblebees like to nest in the ground, so avoid disturbing soil in your garden and leave some areas undisturbed for them to build their nests. You can also plant a variety of flowers that bloom at different times of the year to provide a continuous food source for bumblebees.
Bumblebees also need safe spaces to rest and hibernate, so if possible, leave some brush piles or tall grasses in your garden for them to shelter in over the winter months.
By planting native plants, creating nesting areas, and reducing pesticide use, you can support local bumblebee populations and enjoy these beautiful and vital pollinators in your garden!
Native Bee
Basic Identification Facts
Common Name: Native Bees
Scientific Name: There are over 4,000 species of native bees in North America, including species from genera like Andrena, Melissodes, Lasioglossum, and Colletes.
Meaning of Scientific Name: The scientific names of these bees often reflect specific traits or their genus. For example, Andrena is derived from the Greek word aner, meaning "man," due to their social behaviors, while Lasioglossum refers to the "rough tongue" of these bees because of the texture of their proboscis.
Appearance:
Native bees are typically smaller and less colorful than bumblebees, but they are just as important for pollination. Their size ranges from a few millimeters to about a centimeter long, and their coloration can vary from metallic green or blue to black or brown. Many native bees have fine hairs on their bodies, which help them collect pollen as they forage. These bees play a vital role in pollinating flowers, especially those that might not attract bumblebees or honeybees.
Habitat and Range
Where do they live?
Native bees are found throughout North America, thriving in areas with abundant flowers, such as urban gardens, meadows, forests, and wildflower fields. These bees are often active in temperate climates but can also be found in warmer or cooler regions depending on the species. They are also frequently seen in disturbed habitats like roadsides, agricultural fields, and even in cracks in pavement.
Fun Fact:
Many native bees are ground nesters, creating burrows in loose soil or sandy environments, while some species also nest in dead wood or hollow plant stems.
Diet
What do they eat?
Native bees primarily feed on nectar and pollen. As they visit flowers for food, they also pollinate a wide variety of plants, making them essential for plant reproduction. Different species of native bees may specialize in specific flowers, depending on their feeding preferences. Some native bees are known to favor wildflowers, while others are drawn to clover, sunflowers, and daisies.
Fun Fact:
Some native bees collect pollen in specialized baskets on their legs, similar to honeybees, but many others carry pollen on their bodies, making them incredibly efficient at pollination.
Behavior
How do they behave?
Native bees are mostly solitary creatures, unlike the social bumblebees that live in colonies. They typically forage in short, efficient flights, visiting many flowers during each outing. While they are solitary, they are hard workers, moving quickly from flower to flower. Some species of native bees can fly up to half a mile a day in search of nectar and pollen, but most tend to stay closer to home. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, when flowers are more likely to be open and provide nectar.
Native bees often nest in the ground, where they burrow into loose soil. After a long day of foraging, they retreat to their nests for rest, and many species spend the night in their underground burrows or sheltered spots.
Importance in Nature
Role in the ecosystem:
Native bees are crucial pollinators, helping to fertilize plants as they move from flower to flower in search of food. Their role in pollination supports the reproduction of countless plant species, from wildflowers to crops like berries, tomatoes, and squash. Many native bees are specialist pollinators, meaning they are adapted to pollinate specific plants, which makes them essential to the health of local ecosystems.
Cool Facts
Fun Facts:
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There are over 4,000 species of native bees in North America, each with unique behaviors and feeding preferences.
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Many native bees are ground nesters, digging burrows in the soil to lay their eggs.
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Native bees are incredibly effective pollinators, often visiting a wide variety of flowers to collect nectar and pollen.
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Unlike honeybees, which live in colonies, native bees are solitary and nest alone.
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Some native bees can fly up to half a mile in a single day to forage for nectar and pollen.
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Native bees are often active during the early morning and late afternoon, and they sleep in their nests at night, typically in underground burrows.
Conservation Status
Are native bees endangered?
Some species of native bees face threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. While not all native bees are at risk, certain species are declining due to the destruction of wild habitats, the loss of native plants, and changes in the environment. Conserving native bee populations is essential for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring continued pollination of many plants, including crops and wildflowers.
How to Get More of These Bees
If you want to attract more native bees to your garden, planting a variety of nectar-rich flowers is a great way to start. Here’s a list of plants that will help support native bee populations:
Essential Plants to Attract Native Bees:
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Wildflowers like black-eyed susans, asters, and goldenrod
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Clover (both red and white varieties)
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Sunflowers
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Coneflowers
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Native shrubs like elderberry, sumac, and wild roses
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Fruit trees such as apple, cherry, and plum trees
Why Plant Native Species?
Native plants are better suited to the local ecosystem, providing the best resources for native bees. By planting native flowers, shrubs, and trees, you can ensure that native bees have the food and habitat they need to thrive. Avoid using pesticides, as these chemicals can harm bees and other beneficial insects.
Create a Bee-Friendly Habitat:
To create a welcoming environment for native bees, consider leaving some areas of your garden a bit wilder with undisturbed soil for ground-nesting species. Offering a variety of flowers that bloom at different times throughout the year will provide bees with a continuous food source. By creating a bee-friendly habitat with native plants and minimizing pesticide use, you can help support the health of native bee populations and encourage more of these vital pollinators to visit your garden!
Honey Bee
Basic Identification Facts
Common Name: Honey Bee
Scientific Name: Apis mellifera
Meaning of Scientific Name: The genus Apis is Latin for "bee," and mellifera comes from Latin, meaning "honey-bearing," referring to the bee’s ability to produce honey.
Appearance:
Honey bees are medium-sized, yellow-brown bees with black bands and fuzzy bodies. They are covered in fine hairs that help them collect pollen from flowers. Unlike many native bees, honey bees have a smooth body and are often distinguished by their distinctive, slightly reddish-brown coloration.
Habitat and Range
Where do they live?
Honey bees are found worldwide and are often kept in beehives by beekeepers for honey production. While they are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, they have been introduced to many other parts of the world. In the wild, honey bees thrive in forests, meadows, gardens, and orchards where they have access to abundant flowering plants. In modern agriculture, they are often moved around to pollinate crops, helping produce food for human consumption.
Fun Fact:
Honey bees are social insects and live in colonies that can number in the thousands. They work together to maintain the hive, collect nectar, and care for the queen and the young.
Diet
What do they eat?
Honey bees feed primarily on nectar, which they collect from flowers using their long, specialized tongues. They convert nectar into honey and store it in hexagonal wax cells in the hive for food. They also collect pollen, which provides them with protein and other nutrients. While honey bees are incredibly efficient in their food production, they are not as specialized in their feeding habits as native bees.
Fun Fact:
A single honey bee can visit up to 5,000 flowers in a single day in search of nectar. Each flower provides a tiny amount of nectar, but the bees' efforts accumulate to create honey over time.
Behavior
How do they behave?
Honey bees are highly organized, with each member of the colony having specific roles. The worker bees forage for nectar and pollen, the queen lays eggs, and the drones mate with the queen. Honey bees are known for their remarkable communication skills, particularly their "waggle dance," which helps other bees find the best sources of nectar. Honey bees are active during the day, typically flying out of the hive to forage in the morning and returning in the evening.
Honey bees are also known for their ability to pollinate crops on a large scale, which is why they are often transported by beekeepers to orchards and fields for agricultural pollination. However, they can sometimes be less effective at pollination than native bees because they tend to focus on specific types of flowers, particularly those with easy access to nectar.
Importance in Nature
Role in the ecosystem:
Honey bees are vital pollinators in the agricultural industry, helping to pollinate crops like almonds, apples, and blueberries. They contribute significantly to food production and biodiversity by pollinating many plant species. However, despite their importance, honey bees are not always as effective as native bees when it comes to pollination.
Native bees, especially solitary bees, tend to be better at pollinating certain flowers because they are more specialized in their feeding habits. Native bees visit a wider variety of plants and can often access flowers with deeper corollas that honey bees cannot reach. In some ecosystems, an overabundance of honey bees can outcompete native pollinators, leading to declines in local biodiversity.
Cool Facts
Fun Facts:
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Honey bees can fly up to 15 miles per hour and visit 5,000 flowers in a single day.
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They communicate with each other through a "waggle dance" that tells other bees the direction and distance to a food source.
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Honey bees are one of the few animals that can make a substance (honey) that humans can consume.
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A colony of honey bees can produce anywhere from 30 to 100 pounds of honey per year.
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While honey bees are essential for large-scale crop pollination, they are not always the most efficient for pollinating all plants.
The Impact of Overabundant Honey Bees in the Ecosystem
While honey bees are indispensable in agricultural pollination, an overabundance of honey bees in certain areas can disrupt local ecosystems. When large numbers of honey bees are introduced to an environment, they can outcompete native pollinators for nectar and pollen, leading to reduced pollination by native bees. This competition can cause a decline in populations of other pollinators and disrupt the natural balance of local ecosystems.
Additionally, honey bees, especially when managed in large commercial hives, can contribute to the spread of diseases and pests that affect both honey bees and native bees. This further complicates the health of ecosystems and pollinator populations.
Conservation Status
Are honey bees endangered?
Honey bees are not currently endangered, but they face numerous challenges due to habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and diseases like Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). While beekeepers play a key role in maintaining healthy honey bee populations, it is also crucial to protect and support native bee species, which often face greater risks of population decline due to habitat destruction and climate change.
How to Help Honey Bees and Native Bees
To help both honey bees and native bees thrive, there are a few simple steps you can take:
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Plant a diversity of flowers that provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season, including native wildflowers that attract native bees.
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Avoid using pesticides in your garden, as they can harm pollinators.
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Support local beekeepers by purchasing honey and products made from bees.
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Create habitats by leaving wild patches of land with undisturbed soil for ground-nesting native bees.
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Plant native plants that support a variety of pollinators, from honey bees to native bees, ensuring that all species have the food and shelter they need.
By providing food, shelter, and protection for both honey bees and native bees, we can ensure the health of pollinator populations and support a thriving ecosystem for generations to come.