Ologies with Alie Ward – Native Melittology (INDIGENOUS BEES) with Krystle Hickman

Intro

In this episode of Ologies, host Alie Ward explores the fascinating world of indigenous bees with Krystle Hickman, a photographer, educator, and conservationist. They discuss the importance of native bees, their habitats, and how to appreciate and protect them.

Main Takeaways

State Insects and Native Bees

• Honeybees are not native to North America, but are the state insect in 18 US states.
• Native bees have been in North America for eons, but none are state insects.

Indigenous Melittology

• This episode of Ologies focuses on indigenous melittology, or the study of native bees.
• Krystle Hickman, a photographer, educator, and conservationist, is an advocate for native bees and their habitats.

Flashcards about Native Bees

• Hickman has launched a deck of flashcards about native bees, which is for sale now.
• The flashcards cover topics such as tunnels, turrets, fuzzy butts, sexual demorphism, taxonomic fisticuffs, beehotels, the mustard blight, monocultures, and the tiniest livestock.

Photography and Artwork

• Crystal Hickman, a native melittologist, shares her passion for insects, photography, and the outdoors.
• Hickman left her office job to pursue her interests and started with drawing, which led to her working on the TV show “Skins”.
• Hickman’s artwork often features strong messages and commentary on social issues.

The Marvels of Native Bees

• Hickman encourages people to appreciate and photograph the marvels of native bees that they may have been overlooking.
• Native ecosystems encourage a whole ecosystem of creatures that will pollinate plants for you and they’ll do a better job.

Photography Tips and Bee Research

• Hickman did extensive research before buying her first camera, a Nikon D 500, which she chose because it was good for macro photography.
• She learned photography using her cell phone for two years before getting a camera.
• Videos and observations are just as valuable as collecting specimens for bee research.

Creating a Native Habitat

• Chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides are a big factor in the decline of bee species in urban areas, and advertising to stop harming bees is only directed at honey bees, not native bees. Creating a native habitat in your yard can help sustain a healthy ecosystem without the need for pesticides or herbicides.
• Planting native plants attracts native bees to yards.

Identifying and Supporting Native Bees

• The deck for identifying native bees and their plant relationships was successfully funded on Kickstarter.
• Zercees.org and Theodore Payne Foundation are great resources for native plant guidance.
• Conservation efforts can help protect and support native bees and other important pollinators.

Fascinating Facts about Native Bees

• Native bees come in a range of sizes and colors, from the smallest Pradeeta Minima to the largest Megachile pluto in Indonesia.
• Some bees have unique behaviors, such as covering their lover’s eyes during mating or sleeping together in sunflowers at night.

Summary

State Insects and Native Bees

Honeybees, though not native to North America, hold the title of state insect in 18 US states. However, native bees, which have been in North America for eons, have not been designated as state insects. This episode of Ologies delves into the world of indigenous melittology, focusing on the study of native bees. Krystle Hickman, a photographer, educator, and conservationist, shares her passion for native bees and their habitats.

Flashcards and Artwork

Hickman has created a deck of flashcards about native bees, covering various topics such as tunnels, turrets, fuzzy butts, and taxonomic fisticuffs. These flashcards are available for purchase and provide a fun and educational way to learn about native bees. In addition to her work with native bees, Hickman is also an artist whose artwork often features strong messages and commentary on social issues.

Photography and Bee Research

Hickman shares her journey into photography, starting with drawing and eventually transitioning to using a Nikon D 500 camera for macro photography. She emphasizes the value of videos and observations in bee research, highlighting their importance alongside collecting specimens. Hickman’s passion for native bees and photography is evident in her dedication to capturing the marvels of these fascinating creatures.

Creating a Native Habitat

Hickman advocates for creating native habitats in yards as a way to sustain a healthy ecosystem without the need for harmful chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides. By planting native plants, individuals can attract native bees and contribute to the preservation of these important pollinators. Resources such as Zercees.org and the Theodore Payne Foundation provide guidance on selecting native plants for specific areas.

Supporting Native Bees

The successful Kickstarter campaign for Hickman’s deck of flashcards demonstrates the audience’s excitement and interest in learning about native bees. The deck contains macro photos, taxonomy, and facts about 42 bee species commonly observed in various environments. Conservation efforts play a crucial role in protecting and supporting native bees, as they are essential pollinators for many plant species.

Fascinating Facts about Native Bees

Native bees come in a wide range of sizes and colors, from the tiny Pradeeta Minima to the giant Megachile pluto. They exhibit unique behaviors, such as covering their lover’s eyes during mating or sleeping together in sunflowers at night. Understanding and appreciating these fascinating creatures can help foster a deeper connection with the natural world.

Conclusion

In this episode of Ologies, Krystle Hickman shares her passion for native bees and their habitats. Through her photography, artwork, and advocacy, she encourages people to appreciate and protect these important pollinators. By creating native habitats, supporting conservation efforts, and learning about the diverse world of native bees, individuals can make a positive impact on the preservation of these fascinating creatures.