[Pollinator] New Paper on Alaskan Bumble Bees

[Jonathan Koch]

Hi all,

Jamie Strange and I recently published a paper on Alaskan bumble bees. See
citation and abstract below. Have a great day!

*Citation*

Koch, J.B., Strange, J.P. 2012. The Status of *Bombus occidentalis* and *B.
moderatus* in Alaska with Special Focus on *Nosema bombi* Incidence. *Northwest
Science* 86(3):212-220. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3955/046.086.0306.

*Abstract*

Four North American bumble bee species in the subgenus *Bombus* sensu
stricto, including *Bombus occidentalis* (Hymenoptera: Apidae), are
experiencing dramatic declines in population abundance, geographic range
and genetic diversity. The prevailing hypothesis concerning their decline
is the transmission of the intracellular fungal pathogen. *Nosema
bombi* (Microsporida),
and other pathogen species from commercially reared bumble bees to wild
populations. While *N. bombi* incidence has been investigated in the
contiguous U.S.A. and Canada, virtually nothing is known about the status
of Alaskan bumble bees. This study presents the distribution and relative
abundance of *B. occidentalis*and *B. moderatus*, two co-occurring species
in the subgenus *Bombus* sensu stricto, in Alaska and the prevalence of *N.
bombi* detected in these species. *Bombus occidentalis* and *B.
moderatus* accounted
for 28% and 4% of the 942 bumble bees surveyed, respectively. *Bombus
occidentalis* was the most abundant species collected in the survey and
prevalence of *N. bombi* infections (44% infected) was also highest in this
species. The proportion of infected *B. moderatus* did not differ
significantly from other co-occurring bumble bees. Despite the presence of *
N*. *bombi* infections, both *Bombus* s. str. species were commonly
detected in Alaska with our survey method. Alaskan bumble bee populations
may thus provide important insights on the role of pathogens, particularly *N.
bombi*, in bumble bee decline in the contiguous U.S.A.


-- 
Jonathan B. Koch
Department of Biology
Utah State University
5305 Old Main Hill
Logan UT, 84321-5305
http://jonathankoch.wordpress.com
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