Characterization of Western Bumble Bee (Bombus occidentalis) Nesting Habitat and Management Recommendations To Conserve Bumble Bee Nests

As populations of a variety of bumble bee species, including the western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis), become increasingly rare, protecting and expanding high-quality habitat is essential. In addition to flowering plants on which to forage, bumble bees require nesting and overwintering habitat. While a substantial amount is known about what constitutes high quality foraging habitat, much less is known about where the western bumble bee overwinters and nests. This document characterizes western bumble bee nesting habitat and provides management recommendations to conserve bumble bee nests. 

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