Unique Native Bee Colonies Discovered at Washington College Campus

A Buzzing Discovery

Washington College is abuzz with excitement after a unique and diverse population of native bees was discovered right on its own campus. Bee and insect specialists from the college have identified at least five different species of ground-nesting bees all utilizing the same area, a rare and noteworthy find.

The Campus Hive

The bees have been nesting on a section of the college green located in front of East and Middle Halls for years, but it was only recently that the true diversity of this bee population was recognized. Pamela Cowart-Rickman, an insect enthusiast and photographer, played a crucial role in identifying the multiple species present.

A Rich Habitat

The area hosts ground-nesting ‘mining’ bees from the Andrena and Colletes genera, as well as three cuckoo bees from the Nomada genus. The Andrena species have the largest nesting area and emerge first in late February, while the Colletes species emerge later in April.

A Research Opportunity

Cowart-Rickman, who has a background in biology, reached out to Dr. Beth Choate from the Washington College Center for Environment and Society. Together, they began to explore the significance of this nesting site. Choate, who has studied wild bee populations extensively, was intrigued by the large aggregation of ground-nesting bees, which are typically solitary.

Ecological Insights

Dr. Sam Droege from the US Geological Survey’s Bee Lab highlighted the importance of providing nesting habitats for native bees, which are crucial pollinators. The aggregation of bees at Washington College offers a unique opportunity to study their nesting requirements and behaviors.

Future Research

Dr. Jordan Kueneman from Cornell University’s Project GNBee expressed interest in studying the ecological aspects of this mixed-species aggregation. The site provides an ideal setting to understand nesting strategies, phenology, nest architecture, and the impact of parasitism.

Educational Potential

The presence of such a large and diverse bee population on campus offers valuable educational opportunities. Students and the public can learn about the biology and ecological importance of ground-nesting bees, further emphasizing the need to support these vital pollinators.

Continued Monitoring

Research and monitoring of the bee aggregation will continue, with teams from Washington College and Cornell University collaborating to uncover what makes this site so appealing to multiple species of bees. This ongoing study aims to inform future ground management practices and enhance our understanding of native bee ecology.

Sophia H.