The Importance of Bumblebees in California

California is a biodiversity hotspot - not just for people and plants, but for bees. Among the state’s over 1,600 native bee species, bumblebees (genus Bombus) stand out as some of the most important, resilient, and, unfortunately, at-risk pollinators we have.

There are about 25 species of bumblebee found in California, each adapted to different landscapes - from alpine meadows and oak woodlands to coastal scrub and urban gardens. These bees are more than just charming and fuzzy; they are built for hard work. Their large bodies and ability to “buzz pollinate” - vibrating flowers to release pollen - make them uniquely suited to pollinate crops like tomatoes, blueberries, and peppers, as well as hundreds of native wildflowers.

Each species has its own relationship with California’s plant life. Some are generalists, while others depend on specific “host plants” that bloom during short seasonal windows. The Yellow-faced bumblebee (Bombus vosnesenskii), one of the most common, thrives in urban and rural environments alike. Others, like the Crotch’s bumblebee or Franklin’s bumblebee (Bombus franklini), are teetering on the edge of extinction.

Franklin’s bumblebee hasn’t been seen since 2006!

This isn’t just a sad footnote - it’s a warning. Habitat destruction, widespread pesticide use, climate disruption, and the spread of disease from managed bees are pushing bumblebee populations into steep decline. Because bumblebees play such a crucial role in both agriculture and native ecosystems, their loss creates cascading consequences: fewer seeds, fewer plants, and fewer food sources for wildlife.

The extinction of a bumblebee species is not hypothetical - it’s already happening. But it’s not irreversible. By planting native wildflowers, leaving undisturbed ground for nesting, avoiding pesticide use, and supporting pollinator-friendly legislation, individuals and communities can directly support bumblebee survival.

Bumblebees have been part of California’s ecological rhythm for millennia. Their decline is not inevitable. With awareness, advocacy, and action, we can ensure these vital pollinators don’t just survive - they thrive.