bee are vital pollinators , and their use in maintain level-headed ecosystems can not be overstated . In Minnesota , both native and non - native bees add to the pollenation of flora and the production of intellectual nourishment . However , native bee scramble more than non - native bees due to their specific nesting , food and home ground requirements . presently , five out of the 23 species of native bumblebees in Minnesota are take vulnerable , endangered or critically jeopardise .
Native Bees : Guardians of Biodiversity
Native bees have evolve over thousands of years in Minnesota ’s ecosystems , forming intricate family relationship with native plant . They are highly adapted to local environmental conditions , including temperature , humidity and industrial plant diversity .
Unlike honeybee , which are non - aboriginal and care by beekeepers , aboriginal bee are solitary or semi - societal creatures that do not give rise honey on a large scale . They nest in various habitats , such as hush-hush burrows and hollow stems . aboriginal bee are first-class pollinator , often specialise in specific plant coinage , which ensures the reproduction and natural selection of those plants .
One particularly interesting native bee is called the inadequate cellophane bee ( Colletes inaequalis ) . Unequal cellophane bee nest underground and are one of the first aboriginal bee species to look in fountain . As too soon as tardy March , you’re able to see them lead off to emerge from their tunnel in ironic , sandy grunge . As their life begin , they need the pollen and ambrosia of red maple and willow tree tree diagram . Willows are a anchor plant in Minnesota , providing life - giving nutrient and home ground for over 300 species of butterfly and moth caterpillars . Thus , protecting aboriginal willow tree is important to protect the bee whose lives depend on them , and frailty versa .
To check how to spot and protect unequal cellophane bee check out thisinteractive report mapfrom Heather Holm .
Conservation and Habitat Preservation
Unlike honeybees , most native bees in Minnesota nest in tunnel in the ground or hollow stems . This is why programs such as “ no mow May ” that leave grass , stems and foliation undisturbed help protect bee home ground .
chink out this light picture posted by the Minnesota State Horticultural Society ’s Resource Hub for5 Easy Ways to Support Bees !
Bees meet a crucial role in our ecosystem as pollinator , but they often go unnoticed or are taken for grant . This is especially dead on target of Minnesota ’s native bees because they do not produce love on a large scale . However , by explore various imagination , we can gain a deeper understanding of the incredible world of bees and support these buzzing creatures .
To find out more about native bee and how you’re able to support them , break out theNorthern Gardener ™ Resource Huband link up our approaching grade , Creating and Managing Landscapes for Native Bees , with expert Heather Holm .
A Portland , Oregon native , Elsa Hoover graduate from Earlham College in 2022 with a BA in Peace and Global Studies and right away joined the hort society for a one - yr Quaker Voluntary Service fellowship .
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