Federally endangered Rusty-patched Bumblebee queen nectaring on Wild Bergamot. I do bumblebee monitoring on 4 preserves, and in 2024 observed record numbers of Rusty-patched in all 4 preserves AND my own back yard. #nativeplants #rustypatchedbumblebee #bumblebee #bumblebeequeen #insectphotography

cont'd
Fun fact:
Only the queens survive winter. When spring returns, we start new colonies all on our own — from scratch! 🌸
So if you find me resting late in the season, please leave me there. I’ve chosen that spot with care.

#BumblebeeQueen #SaveTheBees #LeaveTheLeaves #PollinatorFriendly 🐝

On #BeeFriday #FridayBee I bring you 2 beauties! A red tailed #BumblebeeQueen & a #dandelion!. Beauty & the Bee. #Bombuslapidarius had a terrible 2024 a 70% decline. But #dandelions could help save them. #Wildflowers not #weeds! Please leave for the #bees. #SaveTheBees