Iowa Bumble Bee Atlas

Boone County Conservation - Iowa Bumble Bee Atlas

Why Bumble Bee's? These insects are an important species to not only our local and native ecosystems but also to food producers such as farmers and local gardeners. Bumble Bee's are the ultimate pollinators! With their giant fuzzy bodies, pollen baskets, and iconic look that makes them a true hero to all that rely on them. In the United States there are 46 species of bumble bees. In the state of Iowa we have 16 species of bumble bees.

County Surveys

Boone has been one of the original surveyors since the summer of 2024. The main purpose of doing the studies, other than assisting the Xerces Society, was to know what bees call Boone County Parks home. We decided to survey two locations, Grants Woods Park (Madrid) and Don Willams Park (Ogden). The survey is like a point count survey. It takes place from June - September. We go out with nets and catch as many bees as we can in 45 minutes. After each catch, we "chill" the bees and take photos afterward. Finally, we release them back into the park. Chilling and taking photos allow both the bee and surveyor to be unharmed. It affects their metabolism, creating a coma effect. They usually are in this state for less than 30 minutes. No bees have been harmed since doing the survey.

Grants Woods

The area in which we surveyed is the 28 acres of reconstructed prairie that covers 80% of the park. Bees forged on Swamp Milkweed, Pale Purple Coneflower, Culversroot, Creamy Gentian, White Wild Indigo, Wild Bergamot, Prairie Clovers, and so much more. 

After two summers of surveying, we have successfully identified 6 species out of the 42 bumble bees caught during the survey. 

1. Brown Belted (Bombus griseocollis)
2. Common Eastern (Bombus impatiens)
3. Two-spotted (Bombus bimaculatus)
4. Half-black (Bombus vagans)
5. Black and Gold (Bombus auricomus)
6. American (Bombus pensylvanicus), Species of Greatest Conservation Need

Don Williams Park

We surveyed Violets Ridge Praire, a newly discovered remnant to the park worth up to 20 acres. Bees had forged on Foxglove Beardtongue, Wild Scurfpea, Creamy Gentian, Wild Bergamot, Pale Purple Coneflower, Prairie Larkspur, Tall thistle, and more. After two summers of surveying, we have successfully identified 7 species out of the 60 bumble bees caught during the survey. One of them being the only bumble bee species to be on the endangered species list. Which affected the survey numbers. If this species is found during the survey you can no longer survey the area until a federal permit is acquired. Now that it has been found it is protected from any activtity affecting the species in this park by federal law.

1. Brown Belted (Bombus griseocollis)
2. Common Eastern (Bombus impatiens)
3. Two-spotted (Bombus bimaculatus)
4. Half-black (Bombus vagans)
5. Black and Gold (Bombus auricomus)
6. American (Bombus pensylvanicus). Species of Greatest Conservation Need
7. Rusty-patched (Bombus affinis). Endangered Species, protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Comparing Bumble Bee Populations Between a Reconstructed Prairie and Remnant Prairie

Between the two locations both have bees. However, one is clearly more suitable than the other based on numbers, Don Williams had more species and higher individual numbers. This could be a testament due to its high biodiverse ecosystem. Being a remnant it has had little disturbance from human impact. Grants Woods had close to the same number of species, however had lower numbers of individual bees. In the past the property was an agricultural field that later was seeded for prairie. Reconstructed prairies are great because you are bringing back habitat. However, you lack biodiversity that can take thousands of years to develop and be as equivalent to a remnant.

What Should We Be Concerned About? 

As great as these bees are they sadly have been through some rough times. In the past decade there has been a sharp decline in their populations globally.

This can be contributed by:

• Habitat Loss
• Lack of Resources
• Pesticide Use
• Overall Health

Ways We Can Help Bees:

• Add More Biodiverse Habitat: Add native local ecotype plants to your gardens, add a Prairie Strip to your field, etc.
• Reduce Pesticide Use If Possible. Follow the Iowa Bee Rule, read labels to see if chemicals will affect bees, look for alternative solutions, etc.
• Self-Awareness of Your Local Bee's. Keep track of population numbers, bee health, advocacy for their protections, etc. 

To Find Out How You Can Participate in an Atlas Go To:

 Iowa Bumble Bee Atlas