White butt lives

The story of the western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis) is a sad one. At one time this bee was the familiar accompaniment to spring and summertime flowers throughout the western cordillera. Common and widespread, its range extended across Alaska and Yukon, all of BC, half of Alberta, and many western states. That was only fifteen years ago.

Then, in the space of a few years, the western bumble bee vanished from most of its former range. Some populations survive in Alaska, along the Rockies, and—TA-DAH—around Kootenay Lake. (Efauna.bc.ca shows a far broader distribution, but its data are old).

As the Sun warmed the Pieris japonica yesterday afternoon, I watched a few different species of bumble bees, among them I was delighted to see, one or two westerns. This bumble bee is distinctive: it is the only local one with white hair covering the tip of its abdomen. I and others have seen it occasionally around the Lake in the last few years. I will look for it again today.

Old white butt is no longer common, but it is still here. Below, two pictures from yesterday afternoon. Further information on the western bumble bee is available from the Xerces Society.

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