Explore interesting information about the bee species found in Lake County!
By Erin Pinkston, Program Specialist
Native bees are among the most vital yet underappreciated components of our delicate ecosystems. While European Apis mellifera (honeybee) are often discussed and recognized for their contributions, the region’s native bee population is made up of hundreds of species, such as Bombus (bumblebees), Andrena (mining bees), Osmia (mason bees) and Halictus (sweat bees) who all play equally, if not larger roles in maintaining ecological balance and agricultural productivity. These native pollinators have coevolved with local plants, forming intricate relationships that sustain biodiversity and support ecosystem resilience. Native bee populations face mounting threats from habitat loss, pesticide exposure, climate change, and competition from non-native species. Understanding their ecological importance and implementing strategies for their conservation are essential to the long-term health of our landscapes in the Northeast.
The northeastern United States hosts an impressive diversity of native bee species, with estimates of more than 400 distinct bees. These bees exhibit a wide range of lifestyles, nesting behaviors and plant preferences. Unlike the social honeybee, a lot of native bees are solitary, with each female constructing and maintaining her own nest. Ground-nesting species such as mining bees and sweat bees create tunnels in bare or lightly-vegetated soil, while cavity-nesting species like mason bees utilize hollow stems.
This diversity of nesting strategies and foraging behaviors contributes to the stability and resilience of pollination networks. Different species are active at varying times of the year, ensuring continuous pollination services across seasons. For example, mining bees emerge in early spring to pollinate wildflowers such as trout lilies and spring beauties, while bumblebees remain active into late summer, visiting goldenrods and asters. This seasonal teamwork ensures that native plants receive pollination, supporting seed set and genetic diversity across the landscape.
Native bees are keystone species in northeastern ecosystems. Their pollination services underpin the reproduction of a vast array of native plants, many of which are poorly serviced by non-native honeybees. Certain plants exhibit specialized floral morphologies that align closely with the behavior of specific native bee species. For instance, blueberries and cranberries require “buzz pollination,” a technique in which bees vibrate their flight muscles to release pollen from tubular anthers. Bumblebees and some solitary bees are adept at this behavior, whereas honeybees are not. Native bees are indispensable for the successful pollination of these economically-valuable crops.
Native bees sustain wild plant communities that form the foundation of our food webs. Pollination by native bees supports fruit and seed production in shrubs, trees and herbaceous plants that provide food and habitat for birds, mammals and other insects. The loss of native bee populations can trigger cascading ecological effects, reducing plant diversity and destabilizing entire ecosystems. In forested and meadow habitats, native bees contribute to the regeneration of keystone species such as maples, willows and goldenrods, which in turn support diverse wildlife.
The economic value of pollination services provided by native bees is substantial, though often underestimated. USDA field studies have shown that native bees can match or even exceed honeybees in pollination efficiency for certain crops. In apple orchards, solitary bees such as blue orchard bee are highly effective pollinators, capable of visiting more flowers per minute and transferring more pollen per visit than honeybees. Bumblebees are essential for greenhouse tomato production and field crops like clover and alfalfa.
Native bees play a particularly important role in our own backyards. Their presence enhances pollination reliability, especially when honeybee colonies are unavailable or insufficient. Native bees often forage under cooler and cloudier conditions than honeybees, expanding pollination activity during unpredictable spring weather. This adaptability contributes to more stable crop yields and reduces dependence on managed honeybee populations.
By supporting wild plant communities, native bees indirectly sustain ecosystem services such as soil stabilization, water filtration and carbon sequestration. These functions contribute to the overall productivity and resilience of agricultural landscapes.
Native bee populations in the Northeast are declining due to a combination of anthropogenic pressures. Urbanization, intensive agriculture, and infrastructure development have reduced the availability of nesting sites and floral resources. The replacement of diverse native vegetation with monocultures or ornamental plants limits the foraging options available to bees, particularly those with specialized floral preferences.
Pesticide exposure exacerbates population declines. Neonicotinoid insecticides are highly toxic to bees even at sublethal doses. These chemicals impair navigation, foraging efficiency and reproductive success. Fungicides and herbicides, though less directly toxic, can also disrupt bee health by altering the microbial communities in their nests or reducing the diversity of flowering plants.
Climate change poses additional challenges by altering the timing of flowering and bee emergence, leading to phenological mismatches. Warmer winters and erratic weather patterns can disrupt overwintering cycles and reduce the availability of early-season blooms. As the climate warms, diseases and pests spread more easily, threatening bees. The introduction of non-native bees, including commercial bumblebee species used in greenhouse pollination, can facilitate disease transmission and competition for resources.
Effective conservation of native northeastern bees requires habitat restoration, pesticide regulation, public education, and additional monitoring and research. Habitat restoration is paramount. Establishing and maintaining diverse floral resources throughout the growing season supports a wide range of bee species. Native wildflowers such as goldenrod (Solidago spp.), milkweed (Asclepias spp.) and bee balm (Monarda spp.) provide essential nectar and pollen sources. Incorporating these plants into agricultural field margins, urban gardens and roadside verges can create pollinator-friendly corridors that enhance connectivity between fragmented habitats.
Nesting habitat conservation is equally important. Leaving patches of bare soil, dead wood and plant stems undisturbed provides nesting opportunities for ground- and cavity-nesting bees. Reducing mowing frequency and avoiding soil compaction can further support nesting success. Adopting integrated pest management (IPM) practices minimizes pesticide use and exposure. When chemical control is necessary, selecting bee-safe products and applying them during non-foraging hours can mitigate harm.
Public awareness and community engagement are critical components of conservation. Citizen science initiatives, such as bee monitoring programs and pollinator garden projects, foster appreciation for native bees and generate valuable data on species distribution and abundance. Educational outreach can encourage everyone to adopt bee-friendly practices.
Scientific research remains essential for guiding conservation efforts. Continued monitoring of bee populations, coupled with studies on their ecology, genetics and disease dynamics, can inform adaptive management strategies.
Many states now have pollinator protection plans, especially across the Northeast. States such as Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine and Vermont provide examples that focus on stronger habitats, careful pesticide practices and long‑term research support. These plans often include guidelines for habitat enhancement, pesticide management and research funding.
Native bees also hold cultural and educational significance. They serve as ambassadors for biodiversity and fostering environmental stewardship. Educational programs that highlight the diversity and behavior of native bees can inspire interest in science and conservation among students and communities. Art, literature and community programs centered on bees can further enhance public engagement and appreciation for these essential pollinators. Look for Year of the Bee programs in Parks Plus! to learn more about the world of bees!
By celebrating the cultural value of native bees, society can cultivate a deeper sense of responsibility toward their protection. Their diverse species, specialized behaviors and intricate relationships with native flora make them irreplaceable components of the region’s ecological fabric. Yet, their continued survival is threatened by habitat degradation, chemical exposure, climate change and disease. Protecting these pollinators requires a comprehensive approach that combines habitat restoration, sustainable agricultural practices, public education and policy support. The conservation of native bees is not merely an environmental imperative but a societal one.
Let’s take a closer look at some native bees found in the parks:
Rusty Patch Bumblebee: A once-common bee recognized by the rusty band on its abdomen, it is now rare and relies on healthy habitats to survive. The Rusty Patch bumblebee is the first bumblebee to be listed as an endangered species, making it federally protected since 2017. The species saw a large drop in population due to loss of habitat, disease and pesticides.
rusty patch bumblebee
Blue Mason Bee: A small, gentle pollinator known for its bright blue sheen and hardworking nature. Unlike hive‑forming bees, they live alone, building their nests in small holes found in wood, stems or old insect tunnels. Their name comes from the way they seal their nests with mud, much like a mason working with mortar. These bees are incredibly helpful to gardens and wild spaces because they pollinate early‑blooming plants when few other bees are active. A single blue mason bee can do the work of many honeybees, making them powerful partners in keeping plants healthy. They rarely sting and only do so if handled roughly, which makes them safe around people.
blue mason bee
Carpenter Bee: Often misunderstood bees that appear to eat wood and attack people. These bees may sound aggressive but are actually very docile. Carpenter bees do not eat wood for nutrition, they require carbohydrates, protein, minerals and vitamins for a complete diet. They are expert engineers and even reuse sawdust for laying eggs. They are so precise in their burrowing that they can make 90 degree turns in their tunnels.
carpenter bee
Bees are incredibly sensitive organisms. They are highly susceptible to pollutants and environmental changes. Explore below to learn what you can do to Bee a FRIEND to your native pollinator population!
bee hotel
Check out these books to learn more about bees:
Adults:
The Bees in Your Backyard: A Guide to North America’s Bees
The Mind of a Bee
Our Native Bees: North America’s Endangered Pollinators and the Fight to Save Them
The Solitary Bees: Biology, Evolution, Conservation
Pollinators of Native Plants: Attract, Observe and Identify Pollinators and Beneficial Insects with Native Plants
Kids:
Save the Bees (Save the Earth)
Bees on the Roof
Turn This Book Into a Beehive! And 19 Other Experiments and Activities That Explore the Amazing World of Bees