Book
Bumble bee parasites and conservation in the Pacific Northwest
PNW (Series), 600, Washington State University
09/2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000006630
Abstract
Bumble bees, or bees in the genus Bombus, family Apidae, are charismatic insects known for their large, fuzzy bodies, colorful markings, and strong-yet-erratic flight patterns. Bumble bees provide important pollination services for wild and managed flowering species and, with certain crops, can be more efficient pollinators than honey bees. The Pacific Northwest (PNW), comprised of Washington, Idaho, and Oregon, is home to almost 30 species of native bumble bee. While some native bumble bee species may be common, bumble bees, like other native bees, are declining due to the combined effects of pesticides, habitat loss, pathogens, and parasites. Parasites of bumble bees are diverse. Much research has been done to determine the identities and effects of parasites of honey bees, but there is still mystery surrounding bumble bee parasites. The most common bumble bee ectoparasites are mites. Most endoparasites are disease-causing microorganisms called pathogens, which include viruses, fungi, nematodes, and protozoa, though some mites can be endoparasites as well. Harmful parasites and other stressors on bee populations can threaten bumble bee populations, but there is still a lot to learn about how these factors interact. Nonetheless, there are some ways to reduce these threats and help conserve the bees. This publication will help readers understand bumble bees, their parasites, and how to use this knowledge to help bumble bees.
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Details
- Title
- Bumble bee parasites and conservation in the Pacific Northwest
- Creators
- Mario N. Luppino (Author)Katlyn A. Catron (Author)Nicholas Olsen (Author)Robert Orpet (Author)
- Academic Unit
- Publications, WSU Extension
- Series
- PNW (Series); 600
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Washington
- Format
- 1 online resource (17 pages) : color illustrations.
- Number of pages
- 17 pages
- Identifiers
- 99901152741001842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Book