6 bumble bees for Pollinator Week
Pepper Trail, the senior forensic scientist and ornithologist with our Forensics Laboratory, loves birds and works hard for them.
But he also has a passion for bumble bees.
He recently surveyed Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon for the Pacific Northwest Bumble Bee Atlas. The atlas seeks detailed information about these important pollinators in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
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He documented the following six species: (And not to worry: The bees are captured and photographed so experts can confirm the IDs; all bees are then released unharmed.)
Two-form bumble bee
This bee is very common throughout the West.
Hunt’s bumble bee
One of our most attractive bumble bees, this species thankfully is ranked as “least concern” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with a stable population.
Black-tailed bumble bee
This large and colorful individual is a queen recently emerged from winter hibernation, based on her fresh and unworn condition.
Western bumble bee
Populations of this species have crashed. Pepper called it “very heartening to find this bee.”
Red-belted bumble bee
This common bumble bee’s range stretches across the northern United States, all the way to Maine.
Yellow-faced bumble bee
Have a great Pollinator Week! And remember to celebrate pollinators year-round.
