Scat Scrutiny: Analyzing bumble bee poop

Posted onJune 19, 2024byTaylor Kerekes|Bumble Bee Recovery, Native Pollinator Initiative, News and Events

Since the 1990s, bumble bee numbers have been plummeting, and that spells ecological disaster. Ninety per cent of all flowering plants — including most of the fruits and vegetables in your fridge — need these pollinators in order to reproduce.

Until the causes of these declines can be reversed, conservation breeding and reintroduction is the only way to safeguard at-risk bumble bees. Today, WPC is the only organization in Canada rebuilding wild bee populations through conservation breeding. Thanks to recent breakthroughs, we’ve figured out how to dramatically increase the number of queens we produce. Once they’re released into the wild, they can establish their own colonies, producing hundreds of pollinators to sustain the ecosystems around them.

Welcome to a behind-the-scenes look at the fascinating world of our Bumble Bee team! Our dedicated researchers are on a mission to monitor parasites in both wild bumble bee populations and our lab colonies. This crucial work not only helps us understand the presence of parasites in the wild but also ensures that our lab bees are thriving and healthy. Here’s a peek into our process!

Step 1: Collecting Fecal Samples – To study the parasites, we start by collecting fecal samples from the bees. Yes, you read that right – we need their poop! Our team places the bumble bees into small petri dishes and waits patiently until they leave us a sample. It might sound a bit odd, but it’s a vital step in our research.
Step 2: Preparing the Samples – Once we have the samples, we add a bit of distilled water. This helps to mix the sample and makes it easier to transfer to transport tubes.
Step 3: Microscopic Examination – Back in the lab, the real detective work begins. We mount the fecal samples on slides and examine them under the microscope. We’re on the lookout for multiple parasites, such as Crithidia and Vairimorpha, known to have harmful effects on bumble bee queens and their colonies. Detecting these parasites helps us gauge their presence in wild populations and assess their impact on bee health.

Why is this necessary?

Understanding the distribution of these parasites is crucial for protecting wild bumble bee populations. Parasite infections can weaken colonies, affecting their ability to thrive and reproduce. For our Conservation Breeding Lab, it’s equally important to ensure that the bees we raise are healthy. This way, when they’re eventually released back into the wild, they have the best chance to flourish and support healthy ecosystems.

By studying these tiny, yet impactful, parasites, we are contributing to the broader effort of bumble bee conservation. Our research not only sheds light on the challenges facing wild bees but also helps us maintain robust, parasite-free colonies in our labs.

Together, we’re working towards a healthier future for bumble bees and the vital roles they play in our environment.

Taylor Kerekes

Lead Biologist – Native Pollinator Initiative

Taylor joined the Native Pollinator Initiative in June 2023 and manages the native pollinator recovery program across Canada. Taylor was introduced to the world of bees during her BSc in Biology at York University. She is currently wrapping up her MSc at York University which focused on bumble bee abundance, diversity, and floral use. With this knowledge she hopes to continue to support pollinator conservation across Canada.