As an endangered species, the rusty patched bumblebee can be recognized by the reddish-brown patch on the backs of male and worker bees (Boston, 2018). This species is being studied by researchers for conservation and recovery purposes.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, these species have been common in eastern United States and Canada before but their population has decrease by nearly 90% over the last twenty years.
As at now, the rusty patch bumblebee is found in only Upper Midwest and Northeast regions of the United States. It was designate by the U.S in 2017 as the first bumblebee species to become endanger.
Scientists are collecting genetic samples from rusty patched bumblebees by just clipping small parts of their legs. Researchers know this technique is harmless to bees and ensures high safety levels for them. They send the collected samples to a laboratory, where detailed DNA analysis occurs.
This will help us estimate colony counts, intra-society breeding patterns and measure general health including genetic diversity of rusty patched bumblebee (Bombus affinis) populations in terms of alleles per loci and observed heterozygosity (Ho) among other aspects that determine genetic variability within populations of the species (Genetic variability analysis within bumblebees, 2019).In 2020 bumblebee researchers met in Minnesota with an aim of coming up with strategies for conserving this endangered flower dependant insect.
Researchers identify strategies to protect these important pollinators, after doing an extensive genetic analysis of bumblebees. Although these findings exist, worries about their survival persist. The study showed that even in areas that they often inhabit, rusty patched bumblebees are at their lowest population numbers.
“The number of colonies is much lower than anticipated, even in prime locations previously considered important for the species,” says John Mola, an ecologist at Colorado State University and the study’s lead author.
To assess populations of bumblebee, researchers pay close attention to colony size rather than counting individual bees because only queen bees can reproduce.
At the beginning of every spring season queen bees come out from a period of hibernation to start making nests. In this time they also produce female worker wasps responsible for collecting food, taking care of larvae and guarding the nest. As summer goes by, this is when her focus shifts towards making reproductive wasps.
Such a group consists mainly male wasps as well as newly produced queens. The following year they form their own colonies that can grow over 100 members some times. However rusty patch bumblebees are endanger by having only few colonies around.
Species still present in those areas face grave danger from prairie fires that enhance their extinction possibilities at particular locations. Consequently, land managers should be careful with burning under control in order to maintain the grassland plants.
Additionally, it points out that removal of even one queen within a given site can lead to possible loss of life for the rest colonies if there exist fewer numbers.
In this case, we can take proper measures to warrant such dangers. This will also open doors for prospective breeding schemes under captivity that would help increase population numbers while promoting genetic variability among them too.
Researchers observed inbreeding in bumblebees, suggesting reduced genetic variability and compromised adaptation to change or disease.
Diploid male bumblebees, making up 15%, have two sets of chromosomes, unlike typical haploid males.
However, it currently remains unclear whether the inbreeding levels among the bees are extraordinarily high. Diploid male bumblebees, making up 15%, have two sets of chromosomes, unlike typical haploid males.
We expect this research to shape policies that will conserve pollinators. These initiatives may increase the populations of rusty patched bumblebees within the next few years.
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