Survey of bee diversity and pollen loads in the Appalachian foothills of southeastern Ohio

We examined the bee diversity and pollination services contributed by each species as denoted by the pollen found on the scopa. Lack of information about bee populations makes it difficult to notice change in populations. Furthermore, not many studies have examined the pollen collected by each individual bee. We collected bees at three sites in Washington County, Ohio to get a representation of the diversity present. Bees were collected every two weeks from April 2013 to October 2013 using pan traps as well as occasional supplemental vane traps and sweepnetting. A total of 2,746 bees were pinned and identified to genus, and if possible, species. A total of 36 genera of bees were collected representing over 130 species in five families. The most common genera were Andrena, Lasioglossum, and Ceratina. Over 80 bees, predominantly Andrena spp., had visible pollen loads; the pollen was identified to family. Floral constancy was determined by evaluating the different dominant types of pollen collected on each individual.  Andrena erigeniae was found to be relatively constant in collecting pollen from Claytonia virginica. Andrena violae was found to be less constant, with a few different types of pollen found on the individuals. We provide a baseline understanding of our current bee populations in southeastern Ohio as well as insight into the pollination services of each bee species. These results contribute to nationwide research about the current status of bee populations and pollination systems.