Publication Date

2024

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Jones, Holly P.

Second Advisor

Jennifer A. Koop

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Biological Sciences

Abstract

Restored ecosystems play a vital role in providing a sanctuary for native flora and fauna, offering crucial habitat and resources for many at-risk and declining taxa. Ensuring optimal functionality of these restorations is essential to supporting taxon like bumble bees. While many studies have focused on understanding the needs of bumble bees, much of this effort has relied on information gathered during their peak foraging season when workers are abundant, thus, neglecting other critical life stages, such as emerging spring queens. In this study, I investigated how spring queen bumble bees use three types of restored habitats (woodland, edge, and prairie) at different stages of nest establishment. Additionally, I determined if queens exhibited floral species preferences both pre- and post-nest establishment. I discovered spring queen bumble bees use restored habitats differently, with woodlands most often used for nest site searching and nectar foraging prior to nest establishment. Following nest establishment, queens shifted to predominantly using edges for nectar foraging. Furthermore, I found that queens did not show a floral preference before nest establishment, instead they opportunistically foraged for nectar on available floral species. In contrast, post-nest establishment, queens exhibited a floral preference, selectively foraging on some floral species more than others. These findings have important implications for land managers, as they can inform the design of restorations that include essential habitat and preferred floral species at an important stage of a bumble bee's life cycle, thereby supporting successful colony establishment.

Extent

44 pages

Language

en

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

Download

Share

COinS