Foraging Behavior Bees

Nature provides a unity between plants and

pollinators. Not all flowers are alike.

The Bumblebee seeks out Bigleaf Lupine. But also enjoys foraging off of Clover, Native Thistles, Rubus, Larkspur, Douglas aster, and Red-flowering currant.

   The Bumblebee foraging behavior is characterized by their preference for flowers with high nectar or pollen rewards. They are known for “trap-lining,” where they repeatedly visit the same set of flowers in a circuit. They are also capable of “buzz pollination” where they nibble at the base of the flower and vibrate it to dislodge the pollen.

   They are well-equipped to pollinate deep, tubular wildflowers like wild bergamot and cardinal flowers with their long-tongued proboscis.

   Their range is a few kilometers (about one mile) from their nest. Foraging, for the Bumblebee, is solely for their own survival and that of their offspring. Pollen provides protein for growing larvae, while nectar provides the energy required for flight. Unlike the honey bee, the bumble bee does not store significant amounts of pollen or nectar, only sufficient quantities to support their brood (babies).

   Squash Bees, a highly specialized Native Bee, have a preference for foraging on squash and related plants.

   Sweat Bees are a diverse group considered generalist as they have no specific flora they are attracted to. They are named for their tendency to land on humans to drink sweat, a source of salt.

   The Long-horned bee, named for their prominent antennae, are medium sized and fuzzy, often with yellow faces. They do have stingers but are not prone to sting unless provoked.

   Andrena ancycllora is a specialist Native Bee found in Oregon that focuses on Clarkia, also known as miner’s lettuce, for its pollen.

   Native bees only forage for sufficient amounts of nectar and pollen to sustain their own energy and to nourish their young.

   Hopefully you will find yourself outdoors admiring the flowers, especially at this time of year. Bring a chair, cup of coffee or drink, to rest and admire nature. Take notice of the difference species of bees that pollinate the flowers.

   In your hikes or maybe in your backyard note the differing species working hand in hand with the flowers to pollinate them.

   You may find differing species enjoying flowers. Some on one species while others on another. They seem to enjoy different flowers, possible based on their foraging behavior. Long tongue, buzz pollination, or even a specialist bee seeking a specific flower.

   The honey bee differs in its foraging behavior. For one, the span of distance may be up to five miles while Native Bees typically travel a hundred feet to a mile.

   The Native Bee’s lifecycle spans one year. The queen emerges from her winter nest to search of nectar and pollen to begin laying her eggs and of course providing nourishment. As the year unfolds, the overwintered queen lays queen brood who as they mature create their own nest to overwinter. The overwintered queen only survives for a year.

   The honey bee colony expands and contracts as it partners with nature. As flora sources become available the honey bee colony expands to meet the demands of gathering nectar but more importantly dispersing pollen from flower to flower.

   The honey bee colony overwinters with approximately fifteen thousand worker bees (females). In order to survive the cold winter months, the hive must have an energy source. This, of course, is nectar which by this point has been dehydrated into honey for increased compaction.

   Both Native and Honey Bees provide a significant interaction with their surrounding nature. Flowers, plants, fruit and vegetables would cease to exist without their foraging activity.

   Of course, for us humans, the honey bee providing the abundance of honey brings great delight to our morning slice of bread, pancakes or whatever. Surely, no one has taken a teaspoon of honey direct to their mouth.

   A teaspoon of honey along with fresh pollen is a great source of medication for upper respiratory ailments.

   The critical issue for both the Native and Honey Bee is the decline in foraging plants and flowers.

    Rather than focusing on the questions of which, “native” or “honey” bee is affecting the other – plant pollinator friendly plants, such as milkweed, bee balm, yarrow, coneflowers, camas or sunflowers and other native plants to supplant the already available flora.

    Consider spending a few dollars toward Project Apis m in support of their funding (https://www.projectapism.org/partners/#give).

The Columbia Gorge Beekeepers Association meets on the third Wednesday of each month, http://www.gorgebeekeepers.org/, at the Hood River Extension, 2990 Experiment Station at 6:00 PM. A different subject is presented by an Entomologists or experienced beekeeper. All are welcome. Visitors may attend in person or via Zoom. You may reach out to the club for login information - admin@gorgebeekeepers.org. You may also enjoy a visit to the Hood River Extension to view the three bee hives maintained by the Columbia Gorge Beekeeping Club and financially by the Hood River Master Gardeners, Klahre House and the Columbia Gorge Beekeepers Association.