D3246: Biodiversity of solitary bees in northwestern Montana

Solitary bees hold a principal role in the pollination of agriculture and natural ecosystems, ensuring continuous and healthy reproduction of important plant species. Although solitary bees are extremely efficient pollinators, they differ in lifestyle then commercial honey bees and are difficult to use to pollinate agricultural crops. Because of this, research on the diversity of solitary bees is lacking in the region, despite their vital importance in all ecosystems of life. The goal of this study is to determine the biodiversity of solitary bees in Northwestern Montana and comparable areas. Because of previously limited data on local species, new data on relevant species is necessary for comparison with environmental changes. We collected pollinators in Northwestern Montana and Eastern North Dakota. Each species was identified using both morphologically and through DNA-based methods. The biodiversity of solitary bee species of these specific communities was recorded and compared. This poster will discuss the composition of these communities.