New Federally Endangered Species Deserves Our Attention
The rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinus) was recently added to the federally endangered species list. It was once a common species whose distribution included all of the Lower Lake Erie region.
The rusty patched bumble bee has been observed and collected in a variety of habitats that include prairies, woodlands, marshes, agricultural landscapes and residential parks and gardens. There are some historical records in our region.
http://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/121519-Bombus-affinis
We know that pollinators of all types play important roles in our ecosystem, yet are in decline due to habitat loss, use of pesticides and disease. Local conservation groups are working to put a formal survey protocol together for this upcoming field season for the rusty patched bumble bee. In the meantime, we encourage you to add your historic bee records. Records of this species, and others, may turn up new and valuable information.
To learn more about identifying this species please visit the Xerces Society:
http://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/affinis_pocketid.pdf
Comments
You can be sure I'll bee keeping an eye out for it! ;-)
Here are a couple more good links:
https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/insects/rpbb/
http://www.xerces.org/bumblebeeguidelines/
Thanks for the links. Good info!
"There are three things that bumble bees need in the land-
scape to thrive: flowers on which to forage, somewhere
to nest, and a place to overwinter. Each of these habitat
requirements is vital for a different phase of the bees' annual
life cycle." (-Guidelines for Creating and Managing Habitat
for America's Declining Pollinators)
Unfortunately, I think most people equate premium pollinator habitat with a "wildflower" garden and do not realize that the flower biomass from and healthy forest area far exceeds that of the same area of prairie/meadow - as well as better meets the other criteria for our native pollinators.
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