- Queen bee flying over Alps: New species in Germany?
A special queen bumblebee has made it over the Alps: The clay-coloured bumblebee (Bombus argillaceus), typically found in warmer regions, has now been recorded in Germany. The Bund Naturschutz in Bayern (BN) and the Thünen Institute in Braunschweig jointly called on citizens nationwide to report bumblebees via the free identification app ObsIdentify, as reported by the institute and BN.
Previously, the Alps served as a natural barrier for these animals from southern Europe. A queen has now apparently made it over the mountains, having been spotted in Ohlstadt, Bavaria. Further studies are needed to determine if the distinctive bumblebee will permanently settle in Germany and whether this is an isolated case or if there are other, previously unreported sightings of the clay-coloured bumblebee in Germany.
Hummel-Challenge Project
This is a scientific success for the citizen science project Hummel-Challenge, according to the Thünen Institute and BN. During the nationwide search by citizens, a clay-coloured bumblebee was recorded in Germany for the first time. The clay-coloured bumblebee thrives in warmth and has previously been widespread through Mediterranean countries and Black Sea coastal states, such as Ukraine, all the way to Iran. It has been sighted in neighbouring Austria and Switzerland for some time, leading to the assumption that it could also make its way to Germany.
Changed Distribution Areas - Hint at Climate Change?
For many species, mountains serve as a natural barrier. "Permanent immigration of species from warmer regions can be linked to climate change," said Sophie Ogan, project manager at the Thünen Institute. The discovery of the clay-coloured bumblebee queen could be a first indication of a possible expansion, but whether it will become established here remains to be seen.
Distinctive Colouring
The queen was photographed in Ohlstadt by Thomas Guggemoos, a long-standing BN member. Bombus argillaceus is characterised by two distinctive yellow cross-bands on the chest and a completely black abdomen in queens, distinguishing it from similar species such as the garden, field, or under-ground bumblebees.
The successful first recording of the clay-coloured bumblebee queen through the citizen project Hummel-Challenge demonstrates the relevance of such projects for science. "The likelihood of such finds increases the more people participate," said Martina Gehret, project manager of the Bund Naturschutz.
Approximately 3,500 people participated in the project this summer. "We do this because there are currently only international and German individual studies indicating that bumblebees are not doing well and are declining," said Ogan. The institute aims to establish a monitoring system for wild bees in agricultural landscapes.
- The discovery of the clay-colored bumblebee queen in Germany could potentially indicate a changing environment, as mountains, traditionally serving as natural barriers for these animals, seem to no longer be preventing their migration from warmer regions.
- The first successful recording of the clay-colored bumblebee queen through the Hummel-Challenge project highlights the importance of citizen science in environmental studies, especially considering the declining population of bumblebees worldwide.
