KALAMAZOO, MI – Scientists have discovered an extremely rare bumble bee species in Michigan for the first time in more than 25 years.
Ecologists believed for years that the rusty-patched bumble bee was likely extirpated from Michigan, which means locally extinct. But now a single specimen found in Kalamazoo is prompting questions about whether a population of the uncommon bee species may be found in Michigan after all.
The discovery of a single deceased rusty-patched bumble bee was made by an insect researcher visiting with family in Michigan…