Osmia taurus, O. cornifrons, and Anthidium manicatum in North Georgia: Three Introduced Bee Species Making Their Way Down South

Introduced and invasive species have been moving throughout the United States for many years. In this study, the entire native bee species community in North Georgia apple orchards have been chronicled from 2010-2014. During that period, three species which were either intentionally (Osmia cornifrons) or accidentally (Osmia taurus and Anthidium manicatum) introduced have been identified moving into the region. In 2011, all three species were first found to be in the area. Subsequently, over the next four years, each species has had different impacts on the native bee community itself. Most importantly in terms of native bee impact is the species Osmia taurus. Accidentally introduced in the 1970's when Osmia cornifrons was brought over from Japan to pollinate orchard crops, O. taurus has since made its way progressively south. Known to be disruptive to other cavity-nesters, the population of this species has grown rapidly - out-nesting of many of the native cavity-nesting Osmia sp. This talk will outline the progression of each species into North Georgia, their impacts on native species, and the implications of their establishment to the native pollination guild already present.