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Species of Greatest Conservation Need

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Species of Greatest Conservation Need

In Washington, there are three species of bumble bees that have been designated as Species of Greatest Conservation Need by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. These species have seen significant declines in at least some areas of the state.

Bombus occidentalis

Also known as the Western bumble bee. Photo taken by Karla Salp near Joyce, WA in 2024, documenting one of the most eastern locations of this bee in the state. 
View B. occidentalis on iNat

Bombus morrisoni

Also known as Morrison's bumble bee, this species is still common in other states. However, its distribution in Washington has shrunk to one known location in Central Washington. Photo credit: Bumble Bees of Washington State
View B. morrisoni on iNat

Bombus suckleyi

This rarest of Washington bumble bees is also known as Suckley's bumble bee. The last known record of this bee in Washington is from 1998 in Whatcom County. It is a cuckoo bee of another SGCN, the Western bumble bee, Bombus occidentalis. Photo credit: Zoë Unruh

If you think you see this bee, please take photos from as many angles as possible and be careful not to harm the bee. Post your photos to iNaturalist or send to pollinators@agr.wa.gov. Please note the location and date observed if emailing photos to us. 
View B. suckleyi on iNat

Learn about more Washington bees

Andrenidae · Apidae · Colletidae · Halictidae · Megachilidae · Melittidae · Cuckoo Bees · Species of Greatest Conservation Need · Honey bees