Have you heard the news? Illinois may soon have a State Bee! The Black-and-Gold Bumblebee (Bombus auricomus) was chosen over more than 500 native bee species. By whom, you ask?
By the Illinois State Legislature. A bill, HB4438, that names the Black-and-Gold Bumblebee as the state bee now awaits Senate approval before advancing to the Governor.
It’s an amazing story that Napervillians will be proud to claim. Last fall, eighth graders at Lincoln Junior High School here in Naperville were inspired to help choose the best bee to represent Illinois. The students were already well aware of the importance of pollinators, so it was a natural progression to research bees native to Illinois.
Science teacher Barb Bell divided the class into small groups to study bees and then select their top choice. After each group made a presentation to the class, the class chose the top three bees—the American Bumblebee, the Bicolored Striped Sweat Bee and the Black-and-Gold Bumblebee. Students then sent out a survey to students throughout Illinois to vote on the best bee. The Black-and-Gold Bumblebee won.
Three students, Lisa Disanto, Sofia Nicoloudes and Ahana Patel, went to Springfield to testify, giving evidence about the worthiness of the Black-and-Gold Bumblebee and why it should become our State Bee. Impressed by the presentation, committee members signed on to the bill. While in Springfield, the girls were given a tour of the Capitol. Aren’t we proud of this class?
Getting to know….. the Black-and-Gold Bumblebee
It has a large (for a bumblebee) body that can be 1 inch long. It has short, even black and yellow hair and is fuzzy all over. Its yellow stripes make it easily recognizable. It is a friendly, gentle bee. Leave it alone and it will leave you alone.
Buzzing loudly (for a bumblebee), it flies around pollinating our fruits, flowers and crops. To help bees, plant a variety of native flowers that bloom at different times and are different heights. As it collects pollen from flowers, fruits and vegetables, it helps plants reproduce which provides food for both people and wildlife.
The bumblebee has a long tongue, compared to other bees, so it can pollinate flowers that other bees can’t. It uses “buzz pollination” behavior as it grabs the flower by the pollen structure and buzzes its wings, shaking loose lots of pollen. Some plants, like tomatoes and blueberries need buzz pollination to set fruit well. As much as possible, avoid pesticides which harm bees. Watch for them in your gardens.
