June is National Pollinator Month. In honor of this, let’s put the spotlight on North Carolina’s buzzing heroes- native bees!

Crops such as blueberries (featured here) rely heavily on native bee pollination for optimal yields.

Native bees, often overshadowed by their honeybee cousins, are a group of unsung heroes quietly shaping North Carolina’s ecosystems and agricultural landscapes. These remarkable creatures play a vital role in pollination, fostering biodiversity, and ensuring the success of our native flora. Here are some intriguing facts that shed light on the importance and wonder of native bees.

1. Rich Diversity: North Carolina is home to over 500 species of native bees, ranging from tiny solitary bees to colorful bumblebees. Each species has unique adaptations, behaviors, and preferences when it comes to foraging and nesting, making them a fascinating group to study and admire.
2. Super Pollinators: Native bees are highly efficient pollinators. Some species, like the orchard mason bee, can visit up to 2,000 flowers per day, transferring pollen from plant to plant as they gather nectar. This exceptional pollination service is vital for the reproduction of countless wildflowers, fruits, vegetables, and nuts in North Carolina.
3. Buzzing Engineers: Solitary native bees, such as the carpenter bee, are skilled architects. They create nests by tunneling into wood or excavating soft soils, constructing individual cells for their offspring. These industrious bees not only contribute to the development of our ecosystems but also aid in natural processes like decomposition and soil aeration.
4. Climate Adaptation: Native bees have evolved alongside North Carolina’s native plants, making them well-suited to the state’s specific climatic conditions. Their ability to withstand temperature fluctuations, adapt to different flowering seasons, and navigate local landscapes enhances their resilience and ensures the continued pollination of native flora.
5. Buzzing Beauties: While some may assume all bees are black and yellow, native bees exhibit a stunning array of colors and patterns. From the metallic green sweat bees to the vibrant hues of the cuckoo bees, these diverse colors make native bees a visual delight and an integral part of North Carolina’s natural tapestry.
6. Lesser-Known Pollinators: Besides honeybees, native bees are essential contributors to agricultural productivity. Crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and blueberries rely heavily on native bee pollination for optimal yields. Their efficient and specialized pollination techniques can lead to improved crop quality, enhancing agricultural sustainability and food security.
7. Bee-Specific Relationships: Certain native plants have developed exclusive relationships with specific native bees. For example, the long-tongued bumblebee and the jewelweed flower have a mutualistic partnership, where the bee is the sole pollinator for the flower, and the flower provides nectar rewards tailored to the bee’s tongue length. These intricate connections highlight the interdependence between native bees and plants.

By understanding and appreciating the invaluable contributions of native bees, we can take steps to protect and support their populations. Planting native flowers, creating bee-friendly habitats, and raising awareness about their significance are powerful ways to ensure these hidden heroes continue to thrive, pollinating our ecosystems and nurturing North Carolina’s natural heritage.

Please visit this article on our website at caldwell.ces.ncsu.edu to find specific resources on how you can support native bees in your landscape and how to identify our native bees!

Resources on how to support our Hidden Heroes: