Bombus californicus (California bumble bee)
Credit: Luke Tiller
about the species
Bombus californicus (California bumble bee) can be found in Central America and the western half of North America. This species has been classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN since 2015. Like many bumble bees, B. californicus is an essential pollinator of sage (Salvia officinalis), blueberry bushes (Vaccinium), red clover (Trifolium pratense), and many other wild flowering plants.
why species was selected
B. californicus is relatively abundant in California and Oregon, but their populations seem to be declining in some areas. Several studies have shown persistent declines in relative abundance in this species. Their colony life span is mostly from May through the beginning of September, making them very efficient pollinators for summer crops like tomatoes, strawberries, potatoes, and many more.
