The Minnesota Biological Survey in collaboration with the University of Minnesota Department of Entomology, established a state species list of Minnesota bees. The list (now with over 500 species) will continue to be updated as surveys are completed and specimen identifications are confirmed.

Some flowers hold on to their pollen tighter than others and most insects are unable to access this pollen, but bumblebees and some other native bees (but not honeybees) have a superpower. They area able to vibrate their bodies so fiercely that it loosens this pollen.

Honeybees are vital for pollinating farmer’s crops and are often managed by humans. Honeybees, like other livestock, play an important role on a farm.

Antarctica lacks the proper food bees need to survive and has weather extremes, so it is not a suitable environment for bees to thrive in.

Bees will make their nest a few centimeters to over a meter underground. The nests resemble an ant hill, but with a larger entry way.

The rusty patched bumblebee gets its name from the rusty colored patch on its abdomen. It has been Minnesota’s state bee since 2019 to initially raise awareness about the bee’s need to be protected and was on the federal endangered list in 2017.

This flower is an early bloomer and is important nourishment for queen bees emerging in the spring.