No. 3, 2017 $3.00

Bumblebees, Wetlands Conservation, Red Maple Bark 39 6 Bombus fervidus Bombus Vol. 67 No. 3 Features

AMPLIFYING THE HUM OF THE BUMBLEBEE 6 — Robert J. Gegear The loss of native pollinators, such as bumblebees, can have catastrophic consequences on the biodiversity Photo © Robert J. Gegear/ of Massachusetts. Fortunately, citizen "bee-cologists" 18 can now help scientists avert a pollinator crisis. THE CANADIAN CONNECTION: WHY STATE 18 WATERFOWL STAMP DOLLARS FLY NORTH — Sarah Fleming, Deanne Drouillard When Massachusetts hunters purchase a state water- fowl stamp the effects are far-reaching ... learn how the money grows and where it goes. BEAUTY AND INTRIGUE IN A MOST 26 COMMON TREE — Scott S. Hobson When foliage falls, tree identification can be daunt- Photo courtesy Ducks Unlimited Canada ing but this introduction to the striking variability of 26 Red Maple bark will enhance your ability to find and appreciate this most common tree. THE WORST DEER HUNTER EVER? 32 — Ken Carlson The story of a Massachusetts hunter who overcame significant physical challenges to ensure nature remained a healing force in his life.

Director’s Editorial 2 Bowfin Battle! 17 Faces of Conservation 36

Photo © Bob Leverett On the Cover: A native bumblebee, the common , is approached by another pollinator, the non-native 32 honeybee, Apis mellifera. Get the background story about bumblebees, their life history, and the disturbing decline of some of our native species, starting on page 6. Photographed with a Nikon 105mm macro lens. Photo © Bill Byrne

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Photo © Bill Byrne Call toll free: (800) 289-4778 Amplifying the Hum of the Bumblebee By Robert J. Gegear

ur story begins in a large outdoor Odining tent that was purchased from the local hardware store. I was a young graduate student studying the remarkably sophisticated learning and memory capabilities of the bumblebee, ‘the cute, black and yellow fuzzy ones’ as my undergraduate research assistants have described them over the years. My project required that I place freshly collected flowers of several plant species in the tent and then observe how bees learn to exploit their rich nectar rewards. One of the plant species was butter-and- eggs (Linaria vulgaris), which ensures pollination by hiding its nectar reward from bee visitors at the base of a long spur. However, my efforts to find intact flowers in the area were thwarted by a perfectly placed circular hole at the base of every spur. I knew right away it was the handiwork of the highly abundant ‘nectar robbing’ bumblebee species , the first, and unlikely not the last, North American bumblebee to be placed on the endangered species list. Fast-forward five years and I could not

find a single B. affinis anywhere despite Photo © Bill Byrne 6 an exhaustive search that extended nothing to do with CCD; thus, managing miles from my project site. What you bee populations in agricultural areas, may be surprised to know is that I, and although important, is doing little, if the handful of wildlife biologists studying anything, to help prevent our native bees bumblebees at the time, knew that B. from being placed on the endangered affinis and other bumblebee species were species list. To do so requires that we in serious trouble; yet, public awareness shift our views on the importance of bees and concern over an impending ‘pollina- from economics to ecology and our views tor crisis’ did not emerge until several of ‘bee friendliness’ from the number of years later with the unexplained loss of bees we see buzzing around (abundance) honeybee hives through ‘Colony Collapse to the number of species we see reflected Disorder’ (CCD). Why such a in those numbers (diversity). lag in the public outcry over Of course, loss of native bee the plight of the bumblebee? diversity will eventually result The answer boils down to a in significant economic losses battle between dollars and through the elimination of diversity. And this is where our ecosystem services other story gets interesting. than pollination, but I will save that story for another time. There is no question that the The next chapter of our story honeybee plays an important outlines how we make these role in the pollination of crop conceptual shifts and then use plants and so it is easy to see them to conserve and restore why the public perception of bumblebee diversity. bee decline is honeybee-cen- tric—fewer honeybees mean The study of bumblebees has lower crop yields and lower a rich history in Massachu- crop yields mean less (and setts, with naturalists such as more expensive) food items Otto Plath, Frederic Putnam, on our tables. Consequently, and Joseph Bequaert provid- a significant amount of re- ing invaluable information on search effort and money has the abundance, diversity and been dedicated to finding the habits of each species over cause of CCD and to developing 100 years ago. Armed with management strategies to in- this information, and digitized crease the abundance of either (thankfully!) museum speci- honeybees or an unidentified mens dating back to the late native bee species as a ‘back- 1800s, we can get an accurate up’ pollinator in agricultural picture of bumblebee health areas. The problem is that in the state. Things don’t look the vast majority of our native good—the number of species bee species in North America, has dropped from 11 to 7, with which includes B. affinis and three of the seven (B. fervidus, thousands of others, do not B. terricola and B. vagans) visit crop plants to the extent in danger of being extirpat- of the honeybee and therefore have mini- ed from the state in the next decade mal economic value. So, while on the one should current trends continue. From hand CCD has greatly benefited native an ecological point of view, these losses bee conservation by bringing the issue have the potential to have catastrophic of bee decline into the public spotlight, consequences for native biodiversity in on the other it has fueled the prevalent Massachusetts due to the critical role that public misconception that by ‘saving the bumblebees and other native pollinators honeybee’, a single, managed non-native play as ‘keystone species’, meaning that species, they are also helping to save the existence of each species has cas- diversity of native bees in the wild. In cading positive effects on functioning

truth, the cause of B. affinis decline has of our natural ecosystems: diversity of Illustrations courtesy of Robert J. Gegear/WPI 7 Bombus fervidus visiting a red clover (Trifolium pretense) at Breakneck Hill Conservation Area in Southborough in 2015. One of the most abundant bumblebee species in Photo © Robert J. Gegear Massachusetts a few decades ago, B. fervidus is now the second rarest bumblebee species in the state. B. fervidus is one of our few long- tongued bumblebee species (B. borealis is another). Conservation efforts should focus on increasing abundance of Bombus fervidus native wildflowers that are tubular in shape or have a long nectar spur. Make sure to have good pollen sources available in late spring when the queens emerge from hibernation. bumblebees begets diversity of native the winter and establish nests in early to plants begets diversity of uti- mid-spring; enough flowering plants for lizing bee-pollinator plants for food, worker production (in the late spring to shelter and nest sites begets diversity of summer) and for the colony to produce predatory animals. Native bee decline is sufficient queens and males in mid-sum- therefore akin to an ecological version of mer to fall. Unfortunately, we know little the classic children’s game KerPlunk— about how and why bumblebee species eventually our actions will ‘pull out’ differ in such demands and therefore too many species and ecosystems will lack the tools needed to build effective begin to collapse. I feel it is important conservation and restoration strategies to emphasize that the honeybee is not for threatened bees. Fortunately, we are a native species and so its complete rapidly filling that knowledge gap through removal from the ‘game’ would have our ‘Bee-cology’ project (page 16), a minimal ecological impact. Remember, scientific research program that ‘crowd dollars versus diversity. sources’ the collection of ecological data on Massachusetts bumblebees. We also So, what do we need to do to save our need to recognize that bees vary tremen- bumblebees and other native pollinators? dously in how they respond to environ- First and foremost, we need to recognize mental changes or stressors introduced that the persistence of each species through human activity. For example, depends on its ability to meet a unique our research on B. vagans, a declining set of ecological demands throughout species in the state, has shown that it is its life cycle (page 14). For bumblebees, highly sensitive to doses of neonicotinoid these demands include: suitable micro- pesticides that have no effect on managed habitats for queen bees to hibernate in bumblebee (B. impatiens) and honeybee 8 populations. This begs the question: Through cutting-edge biotechnology should we be using the economic or and an army of ‘bee-cologists’ across the ecological value of pollinators to make state, our ongoing work will eventually fill decisions on the potential hazards of this void, and in doing so, position us to pesticide use? create highly effective strategies for our remaining bumblebee species. We also must abandon any notion that ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to creating Our story concludes with the hope that habitat for bumblebees and other native you have a greater appreciation of the real pollinators in our gardens, parks, and problem facing our native pollinators, and conservation lands. Each bumblebee spe- the severe ecological consequences if cies has evolved special features that dic- we choose to ignore it, and what it really tate its co-dependent relationship with means to be ‘pollinator friendly’. I have flowering plants—that is why we have so fond memories of walking through floral much native bee and plant diversity in the meadows hypnotized by the dull hum of first place. Consequently, it is important bumblebee foragers carrying out their to ensure that habitats have floral diver- daily routine. With a simple change in sity sufficient to service or ‘match’ a wide public perception, I am confident that variety of bumblebee species from start we can ensure that our next generation to finish of their colony cycle. A short list of nature enthusiasts in Massachusetts of questions related to floral resources is afforded the same pleasure. to consider include: is it being used as source of pollen (needed to produce new bees) or nectar (needed to survive)?; The short-tongued Bombus terricola which species can and cannot access was considered extirpated from the the nectar rewards (e.g. long-tongued state, however, Dr. Gegear and his bees match best with long-tubed flowers, team from WPI found many during short-medium tongued species match their 2017 survey. best with composites or short-tubed flowers)? To complicate matters, bum- blebees can show strong preference and avoidance of flowers regardless of their tongue length. For example, milkweed flowers strongly attractB. griseocollis foragers but strongly deter physically similar B. impatiens foragers. It is for this reason that you should discourage the establishment and persistence of exotic plant species at all cost – not only do we know that they have the potential to steal bumblebee pollinators from native plant species but they also alter com- petition between bumblebee species, leading to the increased abundance of some and the exclusion of others from the habitat. Not surprisingly, we have found that threatened species such as Bombus terricola B. fervidus, B. terricola, and B. vagans tend to be the losers in such scenarios. In contrast to floral resources, we know virtually nothing about how queen bum- blebees of different species vary in their preference for hibernation and nesting sites. In fact, most of what we know is

based on anecdotal reports contained Photo © Ellen Pierce in publications from the early 1900s. 9 Bombus impatiens

Flights of Bumblebees by Bill Byrne

10 A bee's wings beat about 200 times per second. This is driven by a combination of muscle contractions and vibration of the thorax, a process that also produces heat. The insulating hairs of bumblebees conserve this heat, warming their bodies so they can remain active during cool weather.

11 Bombus vagans

Bombus vagans is considered a species in decline across its Photo © Ellen Pierce native range. In Massachusetts, it has decreased in numbers and has a reduced range compared to historical records. Planting a Bumblebee-Friendly Garden

ll bumblebees need adequate sources 2) Avoid cultivars of native plants Aof floral nectar and pollen throughout which don’t produce floral nectar. In their life cycle in order to keep popula- most plants, you can check for nectar by tions humming. As a group, bumblebees removing the flower from the base and are considered foraging generalists be- squeezing it—a bubble of clear liquid cause they can exploit flowers of many means it has nectar. For species with a different plants. However, each species nectar spur, you can check for nectar by of bee has a unique set of physical, placing a light source behind the flower. physiological, and life history charac- teristics, and flower preferences that 3) Avoid pesticide use, particularly must be considered when designing a those containing neonicotinoids. bumblebee garden. Remember, a truly 4) Become a Bee-cologist—log ob- ‘bumblebee-friendly’ garden is highly servations of bumblebee-plant species diverse. You need to include appropriate interactions on a weekly basis. Note the native plant ‘matches’ for all kinds of number of species and whether the bee bees. Using the results of our Bee-cology was collecting nectar or pollen (page 16). research project to date, we have begun to create a list of native plants ideal for 5) ALWAYS avoid exotic plants—they each type of bumblebee. Our current can have dramatic negative effects on recommendations are provided in the bumblebee-native plant relationships table on page 13. and can contribute to bumblebee decline. Other considerations when planting a 6) Design plantings to ensure nectar bumblebee-friendly garden: and pollen are available for bumblebees throughout the entire growing season. 1) Diversity Matters—Bee abundance Create potential nesting and overwin- is not the same as bee diversity; seeing tering sites. A dry, protected cavity con- large numbers of bees in your garden is taining straw, small clumps of moss, and/ only beneficial if it reflects a large number or dried grass located above or below of different bee species. ground is ideal. 12 Recommended Native Plants for Bumblebees

Short/medium tongue bees Native plants (Nectar) B. affinis • Milkweed • Common buttonbush B. terricola • Goldenrod • Bush honeysuckle B. ternarius • Joe-pye weed • Blue lobelia B. impatiens • • Bee balm B. perplexus • Boneset • Dogbane B. griseocollis

Long tongue bees Native plants (Nectar) B. vagans • Turtlehead • Spiked lobelia B. bimaculatus • Wild yellow indigo • Old field toadflax B. fervidus • Obedient plant • Blue flag iris B. borealis • Spotted touch-me-not • Giant purple hyssop B. affinis(nectar robber) • Swamp and pasture thistle B. terricola (nectar robber)

All bees Native plants (Pollen) • St. John’s Wort • Virginia rose • Meadowsweet • Goldenrod • Wild raspberry • Joe-pye weed • Carolina rose

Bombus bimaculatus

13 Photo © Ellen Pierce Bombus borealis Life cycle of the Bumblebee he annual life cycle of the bumblebee colony including collecting and storing Tbegins in the early spring when queens nectar and pollen. From this point on, the carrying fertilized eggs emerge from their queen remains in the nest colony laying overwintering sites. Emergence occurs eggs to produce more workers and later when nighttime temperatures are consis- reproducing bees until the end of the cy- tently above approximately 35 degrees cle. The size of the colony will continue to Fahrenheit. Among the different bee spe- expand throughout the summer months, cies, emergence times vary with Bombus limited only by the amount of food avail- affinis, B. terricola and B. bimaculatus able. At the end of the cycle (mid-summer typically the first bees to emerge. De- to early fall), the colony switches from pending on the spe- producing worker cies, spring queens bees to hatching actively search for a reproductive bees— nesting site located males and virgin either above or below queens. The num- ground, or both. Suit- ber of queens and able nest sites for be- workers produced low-ground nesters during this time pe- are typically aban- riod depends on the doned rodent nests. amount and quality Above-ground nest- of pollen stores in ers search for piles of the colony. Males straw, moss, or grass use olfactory and structured such that visual cues to lo- it provides an inner cate virgin queens. cavity protected from They will commence the elements. Once mating if the queen nest sites are cho- deems the male an sen, queens begin to acceptable suitor. stockpile pollen and nectar. If you see a The fertilized queens search for a suitable queen carrying and/or collecting pollen, overwintering site and remain there for that’s a sure sign she has chosen a nest the duration of the winter. The original site. Once enough pollen is collected, she colony, comprised of the founding queen lays her first batch of eggs, that when and workers, all die with the arrival of hatched, comprise the first set of worker freezing temperatures or a lack of food bees (all females) for the new colony. in late fall, thus ending the cycle.

Workers perform various duties for the Illustration courtesy of Robert J. Gegear/WPI 14 Identification chart courtesy of Robert J. Gegear/WPI J. Robert of courtesy chart Identification Wasp Bombus borealis Bombus ternarius Bombus * Bombus Less than half Carpenter bee *Two common*Two color variants of Bombus perplexus. Bombus fervidus Bombus Honeybee B. pensylvanicus Bombus terricola About half About Bombus perplexus* Bombus Bombus affinis Bombus Bombus vagans Bombus Bumblebee Amount of black on the abdomen? the on black of Amount MASSACHUSETTS BUMBLEBEESMASSACHUSETTS (WORKERS) Bombus griseocollis Bombus HEAD THORAX ABDOMEN More than half Bombus bimaculatus 1 2 3 4 5 6

Bombus impatiens

Parts of a bee

Med. tongue Short tongue Short tongue Med. tongue Long Species?

15 Bee-cology Project

umblebees and other bee pollinators Bnative to New England are declining at an unprecedented rate due to unknown human-introduced environmental stress- ors. In Massachusetts alone, half of our native bumblebee species have become rare over the past decade. All of our native bees play a critical role in functioning of natural ecosystems as ‘keystone species’, meaning their continued loss will have cascading negative effects on the survival How the App Works and reproduction of many of our native Most bumblebee encounters last less plants and animals, ultimately leading than 20 seconds, making it difficult to to ecosystem collapse. However, we visually identify the species in such a presently lack ecological data on native short time. The Bee-cology app enables bees needed to develop highly effective users to digitally photograph a bee on conservation and restoration strategies a flower and then helps to quickly iden- for threatened species, and assess the tify both bee and flower to the species impact of reductions in native bee diver- level through a series of simple yes or sity on ecosystem health. no questions. The app then uploads The Bee-cology Project aims to rap- the information to a central database idly fill this critical knowledge gap by where it, along with species information training citizen ‘bee-cologists’ to collect gathered by other bee-cologists, can be information on the habits of native bees viewed using a variety of visualization during key life cycle stages. The first tools. Males, workers, and queens of each phase of the project is focused on bum- species can have multiple variations, blebee species native to Massachusetts, or morphs. Some morphs are much with subsequent phases expanding the more common than others, so the app project to other New England states and focuses on the most common morphs native bee groups. The Bee-cology app of the 11 species historically found in can either be run as a web application on the Massachusetts area. The focus on the project website, http://beecology.wpi. common morphs greatly simplifies the edu, or downloaded from the site onto a identification sys­tem. smartphone. The app facilitates the rapid Another useful aspect of the app is its collection of bumblebee data in mixed “Bee-dex” function. It provides basic floral environments and is designed to information about each species of bum- automatically transfer data to a central blebee, including a visual description of database at Worcester Polytechnic Insti- the bee, the months in which the bee is tute, where it will be stored with data from typically seen, and, if applicable, a list of other bee-cologists. Through a variety of similar looking species. online visualization and analysis tools, users will then be able to use the database to test for key ecological similarities and About the Author differences among bumblebee species. Dr. Robert J. Gegear is an Assistant Armed with this crowdsourced informa- Professor in the Department of Biology tion, scientists will be better positioned and Biotechnology and Director of the to protect our native bee diversity and Bee-cology Project at Worcester Polytech- keep our natural ecosystems humming nic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts. for years to come. He can be reached at [email protected]. 16 Like what you read? Become a subscriber!

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