This Vital Arizona Critter Is Now Endangered

There's nothing that makes me sadder than an endangered animal. Unknowing of why they feel so lonely, just knowing that there's no one left for them. We try to do our best to keep every species alive and thriving, but sometimes our best isn't enough.

One of the most vital pieces of Arizona's ecosystem is slowly dying out, and we have no idea how to stop it.

What are Suckley's Cuckoo Bumbles?

Mouthful of a name aside, Suckley's Cuckoo Bumble Bees, otherwise known as Bombus suckleyi are a less than common form of the common Bumble Bee. This subgenus is identified by the pollen-carrying baskets on the male's hind legs, otherwise known as a corbicula.

The major thing that sets these buzzing friends apart is their parasitic nature. While the females of this species can reproduce, they cannot provide for their young, so they kill a previously established queen, and replace her eggs with their own so the young bees can grow up healthy and ready to pollinate.

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Population Declining

Unfortunately, these pollinators are on the brink of extinction. As of December 17th 2024 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that these bees should be listed as an endangered species.

This specific subgenus of bee is particularly helpful, showing an indication of the general health of pollinators. Experts believe that the population decline is due to multiple causes, such as climate change, pesticides, and habitat destruction.

The Fish and Wildlife Service has opened a 60 day period where the public can comment on their thoughts.

[U.S. Fish and Wildlife][AZPM][Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife][Federal Registry]