Native Bees in Minnesota

Bees are vital pollinators, and their role in maintaining healthy ecosystems cannot be overstated. In Minnesota, both native and non-native bees contribute to the pollination of plants and the production of food. However, native bees struggle more than non-native bees due to their specific nesting, food and habitat requirements. Currently, five out of the 23 species of native bumblebees in Minnesota are considered vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered. 

Native Bees: Guardians of Biodiversity 

Native bees have evolved over thousands of years in Minnesota’s ecosystems, forming intricate relationships with native plants. They are highly adapted to local environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity and plant diversity.  

Unlike honeybees, which are non-native and managed by beekeepers, native bees are solitary or semi-social creatures that do not produce honey on a large scale. They nest in diverse habitats, such as underground burrows and hollow stems. Native bees are excellent pollinators, often specializing in specific plant species, which ensures the reproduction and survival of those plants. 

One particularly interesting native bee is called the unequal cellophane bee (Colletes inaequalis). Unequal cellophane bees nest underground and are one of the first native bee species to appear in spring. As early as late March, you can see them start to emerge from their burrows in dry, sandy soil. As their lives begin, they need the pollen and nectar of red maple and willow trees. Willows are a keystone plant in Minnesota, providing life-giving food and habitat for over 300 species of butterfly and moth caterpillars. Thus, protecting native willows is crucial to protecting the bees whose lives depend on them, and vice versa.  

To learn how to spot and protect unequal cellophane bee check out this interactive story map from Heather Holm.

Conservation and Habitat Preservation 

Conserving native bee populations and their habitats is vital for maintaining biodiversity and supporting ecosystem resilience. Native bees are vulnerable to habitat loss, pesticide exposure, climate change, and competition from non-native species. The University of Minnesota Bee Lab provides valuable information on the conservation of native bees, emphasizing the importance of preserving native plant diversity, creating bee-friendly habitats and reducing pesticide use. 

Unlike honeybees, most native bees in Minnesota nest in tunnels in the ground or hollow stems. This is why programs such as “no mow May” that leave grass, stems and foliage undisturbed help protect bee habitat. 

Check out this short video posted by the Minnesota State Horticultural Society’s Resource Hub for 5 Easy Ways to Support Bees! 

Bees play a crucial role in our ecosystem as pollinators, but they often go unnoticed or are taken for granted. This is especially true of Minnesota’s native bees because they do not produce honey on a large scale. However, by exploring various resources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the incredible world of bees and support these buzzing creatures. 

To learn more about native bees and how you can support them, check out the Northern Gardener™ Resource Hub and join our upcoming class, Creating and Managing Landscapes for Native Bees, with expert Heather Holm.

A Portland, Oregon native, Elsa Hoover graduated from Earlham College in 2022 with a BA in Peace and Global Studies and immediately joined the hort society for a one-year Quaker Voluntary Service fellowship.