Skip to main content
Dryad

Answering key bumble bee conservation questions by studying discovered wild nests: A Bombus affinis case study

Data files

Dec 23, 2024 version files 6.80 KB

Abstract

The nesting ecology of wild bumble bees is not well resolved, but information learned from discovered nests can be of great conservation value. Data collected at nests on foraging patterns, caste-specific behavior, and health (e.g., pathogens) is invaluable for understanding bumble bee behavior and ecology, but difficult to decipher solely from foraging observations away from the nest. Wild nests are often found opportunistically, and due to a lack of standardized guidance on data collection, the information collected alongside nest discoveries is often idiosyncratic. Here we provide a framework for data collection when nests are discovered to ensure the data are as complete as possible and comparable across studies. To meet these goals, we provide an action plan which includes key conservation questions and methodological guidelines both for in-situ data collection and post season nest excavation. This plan is ordered by increasing complexity of data collection methods and includes suggestions on how to report findings. To illustrate our framework, we provide an example with recently discovered Bombus affinis (rusty patched bumble bee) nests. Through observations at B. affinis nests, we discovered novel patterns of activity, including changing activity levels over time, the timing of male and gyne production, variable timing in nest senescence, and  associations of nests with past rodent activity. Post-senescence nest excavation allows the estimation of colony size and caste numbers, pest incidence, and provides an opportunity to examine nest material for stressors (e.g., pesticides). Although individual nest discoveries may be of limited value in forwarding conservation strategies, and it may not be feasible for all teams to collect all data types at all discovered nests, the aggregate collections of many similar datasets can be of critical importance for species of conservation concern.