Threats to Native Bees in Massachusetts
Native bee populations are declining at an alarming rate in Massachusetts.
Bees are one of the most important insects on our planet, and their contributions to our ecosystems and food production cannot be overstated. In Massachusetts, there are several bee species that are currently under threat, and it is important that we take steps to conserve them before it is too late.
Meet the Bees
Below are a selection of bees that are declining in this region of the United States
Bombus affinis
Rusty Patched Bumble Bee
Photo: Elizabeth Panner, USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab
This bee is a eusocial, ground-nesting, short-tongued species. It loves sunflowers, asters, goldenrods, honeysuckle, blueberries, cherries, and horse chestnuts for its food sources.
In 2017 this bee was the first bee to be put on the US Endangered Species List. Its population has dropped 87% since the 1990s. Once a common species in Massachusetts, it is rarely seen today.
Anthophora walshii
Walsh's Digger Bee
Photo: Anders Croft, USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab
This bee is a ground nesting, solitary bee. It's favorite food sources are Yellow Wild Indigo, Orange Milkweed, and goldenrod.
In Massachusetts it can be found on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Penikese Island. It prefers coastal habitats with sandy soil and open grasslands.
MA Distribution Map of Anthophora walshii. (www.mass.gov/nhesp)
Bombus terricola
Yellow Banded Bumble Bee
Photo: Sam Droege, USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab
This bee is a highly social, ground-nesting bee. It is a short-tongued species, and loves the blooms of blueberries, roses, raspberries, willows, honeysuckle, goldenrod, and aster.
Historically this bee had a range from Nova Scotia to Florida, but it is now rarely seen in Massachusetts.
MA Distribution Map of Bombus terricola. (www.mass.gov/nhesp)
Bombus pensylvanicus
American Bumble Bee
This social bee has a long tongue, and often prefers tubular flowers. It nests on the ground surface under fallen leaves or other debris.
The American Bumble Bee loves vetches, clovers, bird's-foot trefoil, goldenrod, St. John's wort, and Joe Pye weed.
This bee species ranges from southern Maine to Florida, but its population has been in decline in the northern part of its range.
MA Distribution Map of Bombus pensylvanicus. (www.mass.gov/nhesp)
Why are native bees important?
Native bees are essential for the pollination of crops and wild plants, which provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for other animals. While honeybees are often promoted as good pollinators, native bees have co-evolved with the flora of this area, and they are much more effective pollinators of many economically important crops in Massachusetts, such as apples, blueberries, and cranberries.
Everyone has heard of honeybees, but what about the 4,000 species of wild, native bees that live alongside honey bees here in North America? For full NATURE episodes, check out http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature
Threats
Native bees are facing many threats in Massachusetts, one of which is habitat loss. Bees rely on a variety of habitats, such as meadows, fields, and forests, for food and nesting sites. However, these habitats are increasingly being destroyed and fragmented due to human activities such as urbanization, agriculture, and logging. Without these habitats, bee populations cannot thrive, and their numbers will continue to decline.
Another major threat to bees in Massachusetts is pesticide use. Pesticides, especially neonicotinoids, have been linked to the decline of bee populations worldwide. These chemicals are toxic to bees and can kill them or cause them to become disoriented, making it difficult for them to find their way back to their hives. Pesticides can also weaken bees' immune systems, making them more susceptible to diseases and parasites.
Climate change is another significant threat to bees in Massachusetts. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can affect the timing of flowering plants, which bees rely on for food. This can lead to a mismatch between the time when bees emerge from hibernation and the time when plants are in bloom, which can result in decreased bee populations.
Honey bees and commercially raised bees are also creating problems for native bees. These bees spread diseases and parasites to wild populations, and create increased competition for food sources. Since honey bees are not as effective at pollinating certain flowers, their presence leads to a decrease in biodiversity and floral resources over time.
What can you do to help?
Fortunately, there are many easy ways to help the native bees in your area!
- Plant a diverse collection of native plants. Try to provide many different flower and plant types, and try to ensure that something is in bloom from early spring right through fall. Having trouble finding seeds or plants to get started? Check out the link below for a list of nurseries that carry or specialize in native plants in Massachusetts.
Native Plant Nurseries in Massachusetts
2. Don't use pesticides in your garden or lawn. Try to commit to a chemical-free landscape to protect our buzzing friends!
3. Leave stems and leaves in place. Bees use this material as shelter during the winter months, and some bees lay eggs in hollow wooden stems.
4. Leave some bare soil for ground-nesting bees. Don't rush in with the grass seed as soon as you see a bare patch! Approximately 70% of native bee species are ground nesting. Providing bare earth is an easy way to help out.
5. Provide a safe water supply. Fill a shallow dish with pebbles and water so the bees can have a drink without the risk of drowning.
6. Spread the news. Tell friends, family, and neighbors how they can help, too!
