Dufourea maura, Black Short-faced Bee
- pollinators1
- Oct 15
- 1 min read
Updated: Nov 11
Dufourea maura (Black Short-faced Bees) are specialists on one of Colorado’s most eye-catching wildflowers -the Harebell (Campanula sp.)! These conspicuous violet bell-shaped flowers impress humans and pollinators alike in alpine and subalpine meadows across the state. The adult bees are active in summer and early fall when these plants are blooming, and their range is completely dependent on the range of their host plant. The fate of specialist pollinators is closely tied to their host plants, and threats like climate change often have cascading effects in ecosystems.
If plants bloom earlier than usual, their pollinators may miss peak flower season and the reproduction of both plant and pollinators will suffer, further impacting other animals that depend on these plants for food.
In 2022, People & Pollinators Action Network (PPAN) championed CO Senate Bill 22-199 at the legislature, in which the CO Department of Natural Resources commissioned a study on our state's native pollinating insects.
Insects, often underestimated, play a remarkable role in our state's landscapes. Not only are they cool, but they are also vital contributors to essential ecosystem services. From pollination to waste decomposition, insects support Colorado's diverse landscapes, from the mountains to the rivers.
Join us as we delve into the world of this fascinating wildlife and learn about the Colorado Native Pollinating Insects Study (2024) report!
