BOONE, Iowa—Reports identifying the Rusty Patched Bumblebee have been on the increase the past couple of years. Just in the past week, Boone County Naturalist Kyle Neuendorf confirmed another siting of the endangered species. Over the weekend, Neuendorf posted on the Boone County Conservation Facebook page the confirmation of his siting. The following is Neuendorf’s post:
An endangered Rusty Patched Bumblebee (Bombus affinis) was identified during a Bumble Bee Atlas Survey within Boone County, Iowa by Naturalist Kyle Neuendorf.
The survey involves photographing and recording what species are in our local areas. The bee was recorded and released immediately following protocol of the survey. No one should handle this species without a federal permit.
As of 2017 this bee was placed on the Endangered Species List by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service due to the decline of their populations. It was also the first bee species to have been put on the list.
Boone and Story County are a part of their most western natural range and are very isolated compared to northeastern portion of the state where they are more abundant. The population has seen a 90% decline in the past 20 years, according to the Xerces Society.
“Would you believe me that it was the first bee of the day?” said Naturalist Kyle. Kyle has been surveying our Boone County Parks for 2 years and recording what species of bees live within them.
The Rusty Patched Bumblebee photographed by Boone County Naturalist Kyle Neuendorf
Neuendorf will be a guest on the KWBG News/Public Affairs Program “Tuned In” on Thursday to talk about his Rusty Patched Bumblebee discovery. But, he will also talk about the upcoming Monarch Spectacular in early September, and National Public Lands Day on September 27th and what Boone County Conservation will offer for public programs.
(contributed information Boone County Conservation)
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