Results
Project Highlights
The Minnesota Bee Atlas project ran from 2016-2023 and was divided into two phases. In phase 1, over 2,500 community volunteers across Minnesota joined with researchers to learn more about the state's bees. This multi-year effort documented the distributions and habitats of native bees in Minnesota, tracked bee activity throughout the year, and investigated nesting biology. The data will help guide efforts to conserve bees and their habitats.
Statewide: trained volunteers surveyed and identified bees across the state.
Used multiple survey methods: volunteers submitted photos to iNaturalist, monitored nest traps, and conducted roadside bumble bee surveys.
Demonstrated the power of participatory science in gathering large-scale data and uncovering new information about bee populations.
This massive undertaking yielded exciting results!
Key Findings:
New Discoveries: Six new bee species were documented in Minnesota for the first time!
Habitat Clues: Researchers identified habitat associations for various bee species and adjusted known ranges for several tunnel-nesting bee species. This data will help inform conservation efforts.
Nesting Phenology: The project provided information about the seasonal nesting and foraging times of native pollinators as climate patterns shift throughout the state.
Long-Term Impact: The collected data provides a valuable baseline for future studies, allowing researchers to track bee population trends and assess the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
Bumble Bee Abundance: We found lower bumble bee abundance in the prairie region within roadside habitat compared to forested regions, suggesting a need for focused habitat management in roadside areas in the prairie region. We also saw indications of a positive association between developed areas and the endangered rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis).
Engaging the public: We fostered a community of engaged volunteers who continue to contribute to pollinator conservation efforts. Over 2,500 volunteers participated, helping to collect data and raise awareness about bee conservation.
Data from the Bee Atlas is available as a part of the Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas.
Block Locations
Bee and Plant Interactions
Phase 2 has focused on nesting habitat of stem and wood nesting bees. Many stem and wood nesting bees bring in outside plant material to construct the interior of their nest and protect their developing young. These bees are solitary, which means that each female builds her own nests, lays eggs inside and then leaves the young to develop on their own (see illustrations in this brochure). Typically the young bees remain in the nest over the winter until the next spring when they can emerge as adults. Because the young spend so much time in the nests, the nest environment is important. We aim to identify the plant species from which the mother bees are collecting leaf material and resin for nest construction. We will collect plant material from nests, and leaf material will receive DNA sequencing and resin will be analyzed by gas chromatography.
Click here for more information about bee and plant interactions documented in the Minnesota Bee Atlas.
Bee Atlas Publications
Data from the MN Bee Atlas has been published in four paper to date covering topics such as
Bee distributions in the state and habitat associations
New state records
New nesting information
More papers are in preparation so keep checking back with us!