![]() Simplified agricultural landscapes provide fewer floral resources and less diversity. ![]() Neonicotinoids are acutely lethal to insects at high dosage and at lower dosage can impair reproduction, reduce queen production and longevity, and reduce feeding.Īgriculture has also greatly reduced and fragmented the native prairie grasslands and mixed woods that the western bumble bee inhabits. Pollinators are exposed through the nectar and pollen of plants that have taken up the pesticides. Such pesticides leach into soil and water and circulate in the environment. The extensive and widespread use of pesticides is a major concern, especially the persistent pesticides, such as neonicotinoids, which started to see use in North America in the 1990s. 2 The exact mechanism of the decline is still unknown however, several factors have been implicated. From the years of 2004 to 2014, a decline of approximately 30% has been reported. ![]() Once widespread across much of the western United States and western Canada, the western bumble bee has undergone a dramatic decline across its range. A rare western bumble bee, characterized by a black body, yellow band around the thorax, and white-tipped abdomen. It is a generalist forager and does not rely on any one flower type.įig. This medium-sized bumble bee has a characteristic yellow band on the thorax, and often a white-tipped abdomen. However, they receive much less attention than the highly managed and industrial western honeybee and may even face fierce competition from the honeybee over common resources.Ī species that exemplifies this issue is the western bumble bee ( Bombus occidentalis ). These native pollinators not only provide economic value through crop pollination, but also occupy many vital ecological niches and contribute to overall biodiversity. There are, however, almost 1,000 species of native bees in Canada. 1 Because of the honeybee’s economic importance and long-lasting relationship with humanity, it holds a prominent position in the spotlight.Īlthough the honeybee is very familiar to us, you may be surprised to learn that it is not native to North America - it was imported by the first settlers. In Canada, honey production in 2018 was valued at $197 million, and the economic contribution of honeybee pollination to harvest value was valued as high as $5.5 billion. The honeybee has a huge impact on the modern world, both economic and ecological. The species most people likely have in mind when they say “save the bees” is the western honeybee ( Apis mellifera ). But to clarify, which bees does this sentiment refer to? Which bees need saving? There is a good chance you have heard the slogan “save the bees” somewhere, perhaps on social media or on a flyer at the local coffee shop. Images of bees adorn honey packages in the supermarket. franklini is found, protect important bumble bee habitat.If you have spent any amount of time outside, you’ve undoubtedly encountered bees buzzing around in search of flowers. Since this species has not been seen since 2006, surveys that target historical sites are needed. Determine susceptibility of commercially-reared and wild bumble bee species to pathogens. Evaluate pathology and control of Nosema bombi and other potential disease organisms (such as Locustacrus buchneri and Crithidia bombi ). Disease, pesticide applications, potential competition with honey bees for floral resources, and climate change present additional threats. Fire suppression contributes to loss of meadow habitat. These bees require abandoned rodent borrows or clumps of grass for nesting.įranklin's bumble bees are vulnerable to habitat loss and alteration. They use a variety of flowering plants, including lupine, California poppy, horsemint, and penny-royal. It is largely dominated by conifer forests, moving into alpine parklands and dwarf shrubs at higher elevations.įranklin's bumble bees need a sufficient supply of nectar and pollen throughout the colony season. The West Cascades ecoregion extends from east of the Cascade Mountains summit to the foothills of the Willamette, Umpqua, and Rogue Valleys, and spans the entire length of the state of Oregon.
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