bumble bee
SAVING OUR BUMBLE BEES
Protecting America's
Essential Pollinators
rusty-patched bumble bee The hum of bumble bees accompanies gardeners during the dog days of summer, and they are busy pollinating farmers' crops to help ensure bountiful harvests. These colorful insects also fill the pages of many children's books and decorate clothing and housewares. Despite their apparent ubiquitousness, bumble bees are disappearing from our farms and countryside, and at least five species in North America have become rare in many parts of their historic ranges. Xerces is working to conserve America's bumble bees and we need your help!

bumble bee nest As part of our efforts we have launched a nationwide search for bumble bee nests. Protecting nests and potential nest sites is essential for conserving bumble bees, yet there is remarkably little specific information about them. Have you seen one? Maybe you've encountered a nest in your garden, or under a neighbor's flower pot? If so, you can share information about your discovery at www.xerces.org/bbnest!

Wanted poster We also need help tracking down America's five most imperiled bumble bees. If you live in eastern North America, look out for the rusty-patched, yellow-banded, and American bumble bees. In western states, look for the western and Franklin's bumble bees.

Please visit the bumble bee conservation pages of our website for more information on how to identify these species. If you think you've found one of them, please snap a photo and send it to [email protected].

The work of bumble bees touches our lives every day. With your help, we can ensure that these quintessential insects of summer have the future they deserve. 
DONATE NOW
We need your support in order to protect invertebrates and their habitat.

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And get involved with our bumble bee conservation efforts too! 
CONSERVING BUMBLE BEES
This newly released publication will help you create high-quality habitat for bumble bees.

bumble bee guidelines
BRING BACK THE POLLINATORS
Take the Pollinator Protection Pledge, plant your pollinator garden, and hang your Pollinator Habitat Sign to do your part to protect pollinators.

habitat sign
PUBLICATIONS
Learn how to create habitat with books from our online store, including Attracting Native Pollinators
Photo Credits
Banner: Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus) on bluebells, by Rich Hatfield.
In-text:

Rusty-patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) on purple prairie clover, by Christy M. Stewart.

Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii) nest, by Sarah Greenleaf.
Yellow-banded bumble bee (Bombus terricola) "Wanted" poster, by the Xerces Society.

The Xerces Society � 628 NE Broadway, Suite 200, Portland, OR 97232 USA � tel 855.232.6639
[email protected]www.xerces.org

Copyright � 2012 The Xerces Society. All rights reserved.