Bumblebees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of Remnant Grasslands in Arkansas

Recent evidence suggests that declines in bumblebee diversity have occurred on several continents. Assessments of regional faunas are critically needed in the United States to ascertain potential conservation needs. Over the course of seven years I conducted bumblebee surveys on the majority of Arkansas's native grassland remnants. The presence of seven of the eight bumblebee species previously recorded from the state was reconfirmed. Bombus variabilis was the only species not observed. Bombus bimaculatus, B. griseocollis, and B. pensylvanicus were the most frequently encountered bumblebee species. Bombus fervidus was rediscovered in the state after 90 years. Potential localized extirpations for B. auricomus, B. fraternus, and B. impatiens merit additional examination. The data generated represents a site-specific baseline for future assessments of species persistence in the state's remaining native grasslands.