Minnesota is home to a great variety of biodiversity due to its position at a confluence of four of the planet’s major biomes — Aspen parklands, prairie grasslands, deciduous forest and coniferous forest.
Now, University of Minnesota researchers have confirmed the state is also home to 508 bee species, including numerous rare and specialist species that were recorded in the state for the first time.
New research published in the journal Zootaxa provides a checklist of Minnesota’s bee species and is the result of a collaborative effort between the University of Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and other bee experts. Researchers analyzed the findings and specimens from statewide Department of Natural Resources bee surveys, studies from the university’s bee lab, and historic specimens deposited in the University of Minnesota Insect Collection. The work is a foundational step that will help scientists better understand the ecology and conservation needed to support local bee populations.
This work was supported by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources.
Source: brainerddispatch.com
Photo Credit: istock-Kerem Hanci
Categories: Minnesota, Rural Lifestyle