Bees are among the most important pollinators, pollinating 2/3 of the food we eat, ensuring food security and healthy ecosystems for both humans and wildlife. But some species are becoming rare or even extirpated. With a 90% decline in numbers and range since the 1990s, the rusty patched bumble bee is the first bumble bee protected by the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
It has not been seen in Maine since 2009, but we are hopeful this important pollinator is still out there and we need more eyes looking!
You can help us find it by carefully observing the bumble bees you see and learning how to distinguish the rusty patched from similar-looking Maine bumble bee species (it’s not hard!) If you think you’ve found one, snap one or more close-up and in focus photos (or a video to select the best photos) and submit them to either iNaturalist or Bumble Bee Watch where a group of experts will confirm the identification.
Reposted from an email from Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.