When we think of bees, honeybees and bumble bees often come to mind. However, there's an entire world of bees beyond these familiar species. In fact, there are nearly 20,000 known species of bees worldwide, with close to 400 of them residing in Minnesota alone. Surprisingly, honeybees and bumble bees make up less than 2% of this diverse population, leaving the vast majority as wild or native bees.
Native bees have inhabited their respective regions for millions of years. These bees, commonly referred to as solitary bees, live independently without the structured colonies seen in honeybees and bumble bees. Each solitary bee acts as its own queen, constructing nests, gathering pollen, and laying eggs without help from others.
Wild bees play a crucial role in pollination, particularly for garden plants, ornamentals, and wildflowers. Some, like bumble bees, excel at pollinating specific crops, while others, such as the solitary blue orchard bee, are active early in the season when honeybees might still be inactive. These examples highlight the importance of wild bees in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem health.
How can we support these vital pollinators? It's simple: provide them with food and shelter. Planting a variety of flowers that bloom at different times ensures a continuous supply of nectar and pollen, attracting a diverse range of bees. Additionally, offering nesting spots is crucial. Ground-nesting bees, which make up the majority, prefer dry, sandy soil with minimal vegetation. By leaving patches of exposed soil undisturbed, we create suitable habitats for these bees. For cavity-nesting bees, providing artificial nesting structures, such as bee houses, hollow plant stems or wood blocks, can encourage their presence in our gardens.
Concerns about bee stings often arise when discussing bee-friendly practices. However, solitary bees are docile and rarely sting, with their stings being much milder than those of honeybees or bumble bees. The risk of being stung is minimal, especially considering the vital role these bees play in pollination. It's essential to differentiate between solitary bees and social wasps, such as paper wasps, which may inhabit similar nesting sites and can sting repeatedly.
By understanding and supporting native bees, we can contribute to the preservation of ecosystems and ensure the continued pollination of our crops and wild plants.
For more information and resources on bees, visit https://beelab.umn.edu/.